technology, transitions, and practicing what you preach: a case study on how an orientation program...
TRANSCRIPT
TECHNOLOGY, TRANSITIONS, AND PRACTICING WHAT YOU PREACH: A CASE STUDY ON HOW AN ORIENTATION PROGRAM MODELS UDL
Presented by: Van Credle
Assistive Technology Specialist
The Catholic University of America
Between Traditional and Comprehensive Support Services
Accommodations
• Offer extended services working with academic support offices
• No fee based services
Advocacy
• Students are the main actors in obtaining accommodations
• Active outreach and reminders about accessing services
At-risk
• At-risk students are not mandated to participate in academic support
• Active follow-up and outreach to highlighted students
Program History
Smart Start debuted in 2008 Almost 100 students have passed
through the program Created to facilitate transition from high
school IEPs to university self-advocacy for accommodations
Smart Start students have shown a higher retention rate than similar students who did not participate
Student Population
• Over 200 registered students with disabilities
• 90% of students registered with ADD/LD disabilities
• 40+ freshmen with ADD/LD disabilities
• More than half registered and attended Smart Start
University Philosophy
The Catholic University of America is committed to being a comprehensive Catholic and American institution of higher learning, faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ as handed on by the Church. Dedicated to advancing the dialogue between faith and reason, The Catholic University of America seeks to discover and impart the truth through excellence in teaching and research, all in service to the Church, the nation and the world.
The Original Smart Start
Self Advocacy
Student Rights
Student Resources
The Redesign: Make it Work
Decompose content to
smaller learning modules
Multimedia for multiple learning styles
Engage through
interaction activities
Increase feedback and
response
Pair/Small Group/Large
Group Exercises
Pre/Post-assessments
Before: Rights & Responsibilities
After: Rights & Responsibilities
Before: Accommodations Process
After: Accommodations Process
Before: Assistive Technology Workshop
After: Assistive Technology Workshop
Upgrading Students with Technology
• Introduced students to on-campus technology
• Students used Smartpens to record Technology training
• Collected feedback using TurningPoint clickers
• Demonstrated of alternative formats and related software
• Promoted AT training and future workshops
Clicker Feedback
Using Smartpens
Pulling Staff into the Process
Encouraging Faculty: Practicing what we Preach
Student Feedback
“Smart Start was better than I expected! The program was very useful and I look forward to using it.”
“Well laid out program. Cool advisors!”
Two-thirds of respondents said Smart Start exceeded their expectations
90% of respondents said they learned more about their own learning style
The Follow Up
How Does This Make a Difference for DSS?
Students know staff and interact more with the office
Staff know the students and facilitate peer relationships
Students know accommodations available and processes
Students lead the conversation with faculty and staff
Room for Improvement• Provide more
introduction to technology materials
• Incorporate a simultaneous “Universal Design for Learning Faculty Workshop”
• Extend orientation program two days
To Accessibility and Onwards!
ContactVan Credle
The Catholic University of [email protected]
dss.cua.edu