using distance education to enhance the reach of disability studies curriculum megan a. conway,...
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USING DISTANCE EDUCATION TO ENHANCE THE REACH OF DISABILITY STUDIES CURRICULUM
Megan A. Conway, Ph.D. & Thomas H. Conway, M.B.A.
Center on Disability Studies, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Photo above of two stone seats shaped like upheld hands. Sign with Japanese characters in background.
About the Speakers
Megan A. Conway, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Disability Studies, University of Hawaii
Editor, Review of Disability Studies
Thomas H. Conway, M.B.A.
Media Coordinator, Center on Disability Studies, University of Hawaii
Doctoral Student, Educational Technology
Overview of Presentation
I. Foundation for Distance EducationII. Application of Universal DesignIII. Web AccessibilityIV. Emerging TechnologiesV. Further Resources
Foundation
Promise of Distance Education for Disability Studies and Awareness
Bridge barriers of distance, cost, environmental access.
Bring together teachers and learners from diverse perspectives and cultures.
Foundation of Distance EducationDistance Education Defined
Definition of distance education
Types of distance education
A formal learning activity which occurs when students and instructor are separated by geographic distance or by time, often supported by communications technology.
A formal learning activity which occurs when students and instructor are separated by geographic distance or by time, often supported by communications technology.
Synchronous, Asynchronous, HybridSynchronous, Asynchronous, Hybrid
Application of Universal DesignUniversal Design Defined
Universal Design is the design of products and environments to be usable by everyone, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.” Ron Mace[
Universal Design for Learning] UDL provides a blueprint for creating flexible goals, methods, materials, and assessments that accommodate learner differences. CAST
Application
Principles of Universal Design for Learning
1. Multiple Means of Representation
2. Multiple Means of Expression
3. Multiple Means of Engagement
Application
Examples of UDL Applications in the Online Disability Studies ClassroomMaximizing Representation, Expression
and EngagementSynchronous Web Conferencing Platforms
Asynchronous Learning Management Systems
Captioning, audio description, use of multi media, participant involvement
Captioning, audio description, use of multi media, participant involvement
Interactive syllabus, collaborative discussion, calendars, media formats, communication, weekly assignments
Interactive syllabus, collaborative discussion, calendars, media formats, communication, weekly assignments
What is Web Accessibility?
Accessibility
Benefits older people, English as a Second Language (ESL) learners, temporarily disabled people, and other diverse populations.
Benefits older people, English as a Second Language (ESL) learners, temporarily disabled people, and other diverse populations.
Benefits people with disabilities — including auditory, cognitive, neurological, physical, speech, and visual impairments.
Benefits people with disabilities — including auditory, cognitive, neurological, physical, speech, and visual impairments.
Web Accessibility
W3CWorld Wide Web Consortium
Founded by Tim Berners-Lee W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web.
Goal of providing web access to everyone through
Internationally recognized standards.
“The power of the Web is in
its universality.
Access by everyone
regardless of disability is an
essential aspect.”
“The power of the Web is in
its universality.
Access by everyone
regardless of disability is an
essential aspect.”
Web Accessibility
Output Device Independence1. Screen reader useable (voice only
transmission)2. Logical navigation through webpage and
website (mouse free)3. Easy to read with minimal distractions4. Use of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) for
separating content and design elements
Accessibility and Distance EducationAlternative Formats1. Screen readable formatted documents
(PDF)2. Logical navigation of materials3. Tagged or labeled photos and graphics4. Captioned videos and multi-media
presentations
Emerging Technologies
Web 2.0 Social Media (Interactive)Thousands of new programs available for collaboration and presentations
VoiceThread - Gallaudet University, Accessible Twitter
Thousands of new programs available for collaboration and presentations
VoiceThread - Gallaudet University, Accessible Twitter
Mobile Devices
Mobile Devices Multi-User Virtual Environment
(MUVE)Second Life, Blue Mars, Gaia, Webkinz
Multi-User Virtual Environment (MUVE)
Second Life, Blue Mars, Gaia, Webkinz
Emerging Collaboration Technology
“VoiceThread is an application designed for people to have discussions about shared digital media. Each VoiceThread discussion consists of slides - just like a presentation - and each slide contains a piece of digital media.”
“What we've found is that accessibility is often "bolted on" as an afterthought, when it should be designed with as much care as the typical-user experience. With this in mind…We decided to create VoiceThread Universal.”
VoiceThread – Presentation program with interactive feedback via the web or phone VoiceThread – Presentation program with interactive feedback via the web or phone
VoiceThread Universal – Accessible version interface specially designed for screen-reading software
VoiceThread Universal – Accessible version interface specially designed for screen-reading software
Emerging Communication TechnologyWeb accessibility for TwitterAccessible Twitter is
an alternative to the Twitter.com website. It is designed to be easier to use and is optimized for disabled users.
Accessible Twitter is an alternative to the Twitter.com website. It is designed to be easier to use and is optimized for disabled users.
Emerging MUVE Technology
1. Webkinz2. Gaia3. Second Life4. Blue Mars
5. Virtual Ability
Additional Resources
Students with Disabilities as Diverse Learners www.ist.hawaii.edu
W3C Web Accessibility Initiative www.w3c.org/wai
Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) www.cast.org
WebAIM http://www.webaim.comVirtual Ability www.virtualability.org