Accommodating On-line Learners: Much More Than Captioning Linda Sullivan, MA, CAGS Harvard University

Overview What is on-line learning? What are the most common types of on-line classes? How do we re-think accommodations for on-line learners? Thinking about conditions: ADHD, LD, Sensory, Chronic Illness, Psychiatric, ASD Who should we partner with on campus? L. Sullivan (2017) AHEAD Annual Conference Do Not Copy Without Permission

What constitutes on-line learning? A) Classes presented entirely on-line B) Classes with on-line and in-class learners in real time C) Classes presented partial semesters on-line with partial in-class D) Classes where the “lecture” is presented on-line and in-class time is dedicated to activities, projects E) Any class that has required activities using a Learning Management System, (LMS), 3rd party platform (e.g., Pearson MyMathLab) F) All of the above G) A,B,C,D Answer: F L. Sullivan (2017) AHEAD Annual Conference Do Not Copy Without Permission

Synchronous, Asynchronous, Blended Formats Synchronous – live, real-time, learning Asychronous – split time learning Blended – combination of synchronous and Asychronous learning L. Sullivan (2017) AHEAD Annual Conference Do Not Copy Without Permission

Why are methods important? When thinking about individual accommodations for each class – must incorporate pedagogy Example – application of captioning: Asynchronous presentation – if course is developed prior to launch captions can be placed prior to availability Synchronous – may need CART Blended formats – captioning imprinted before release, if discussion group CART L. Sullivan (2017) AHEAD Annual Conference Do Not Copy Without Permission

Understanding On-line Learners What kinds of conditions? ADHD, LD, Chronic Illness, Physical limitations, Mental Health, Sensory Ages: Gifted 13-18, Traditional 18-22, Adult 25+, Mid Career- 40+ Age may impact documentation Age may impact comfort with technology How are supports developed? Are you available 24/7, or for extended hours? Is tech support available extended hours? What are your tech requirements? L. Sullivan (2017) AHEAD Annual Conference Do Not Copy Without Permission

Thinking about conditions: ADHD Functional Limitation Accommodation Concentration Pacing Multi web sites (Facebook) Auditory Information Testing Use fidgets, sit on yoga ball, chew gum, if no voice over, use music Allow for more time between slides Apps to control use of access Captions (if available) Add more time for testing L. Sullivan (2017) AHEAD Annual Conference Do Not Copy Without Permission

Thinking about conditions: LD Functional Limitation Accommodation Reading Homework Posts Processing Delays Ensure presentation is available in screen reading formats Work with Professor/TA to ensure availability for questions and verbal contact Voice-to-Text software, or voice files Allow for individual timing of content L. Sullivan (2017) AHEAD Annual Conference Do Not Copy Without Permission

Thinking about conditions: Chronic Health Functional Limitation Accommodation Attendance Meeting course requirements Group projects Lighting/video presentation Flexibility in participation Adjusted due dates Late withdrawal Permission to change PPTs background colors Awareness of course requirements at registration L. Sullivan (2017) AHEAD Annual Conference Do Not Copy Without Permission

Thinking about conditions: Psychiatric Functional Limitation Accommodation Attendance Electronic Access Persistence with format Clear guidelines around attendance policies- modified as needed Security of transmission – alt ways of work submission Pace course due dates throughout semester Remote exam/proctoring L. Sullivan (2017) AHEAD Annual Conference Do Not Copy Without Permission

Thinking about conditions: Sensory - Hearing Functional Limitation Accommodation Cannot hear content Captioning CART ASL Video transcripts Microphone usage for all participants L. Sullivan (2017) AHEAD Annual Conference Do Not Copy Without Permission

Thinking about conditions: Sensory – Vision Functional Limitation Accommodation Reading Lecture Content Viewing videos Understanding/interpreting visual aids (e.g., graphs, pictures) Chat features – for interactive class participation Increase fonts Change background colors Video description Graph/picture description Provide PPTs in formats compatible with screen readers Ensure 3rd party platforms are accessible Ensure option for voice interaction is possible L. Sullivan (2017) AHEAD Annual Conference Do Not Copy Without Permission

Thinking about conditions: Mobility Impairments Functional Limitation Accommodation Keyboard limitations Sitting Standing Stationary time Ensure content is navigatable using keyboard or voice commands Students may need to stop/start and move positions; faculty need to offer breaks, or allow self-paced L. Sullivan (2017) AHEAD Annual Conference Do Not Copy Without Permission

Thinking about conditions: ASD Functional Limitation Accommodation Understanding on-line classroom social norms Verbal skills Navigating different systems No reminders of due dates Provide positive rules of engagement for students. If verbal skills are lacking, ensure student can participate through writing Provide clear instructions for accessing content, including frequency. Assist student with calendar support for due dates. L. Sullivan (2017) AHEAD Annual Conference Do Not Copy Without Permission

Re-thinking DS Delivery Interactive Process Increased availability Testing accommodations Faculty contact Faculty training L. Sullivan (2017) AHEAD Annual Conference Do Not Copy Without Permission

Key Relationships Course Development Faculty Assistive Technology Specialists L. Sullivan (2017) AHEAD Annual Conference Do Not Copy Without Permission

Summary On-line learning involves much more than on-line classes Recognize differing course delivery methods Infuse Universal Design Principles Assist students with understanding requirements of courses Work with faculty to develop opportunities for equal participation Different disability types will need adjusting of accommodations based on course delivery type LMS and 3rd party sites must be accessible on the surface and in content L. Sullivan (2017) AHEAD Annual Conference Do Not Copy Without Permission

Questions & Contact Info Questions… Contact: Linda Sullivan Harvard University 617-998-9640 sullivan@dcemail.harvard.edu L. Sullivan (2017) AHEAD Annual Conference Do Not Copy Without Permission