Online Learning: What Works, What Doesn't
By Salmon, Amy; Access World, Vol. 9, No. 4Publication Date: July 2008
Article discusses the accessibility of online learning programs for blind and visually impaired students. According to the article, most online learning programs are inaccessible to individuals who are blind or have low vision because developers of online courses are not following accessibility guidelines. One exception described in detail is a program at the Hadley School for the Blind, which at the time the article was written offered 21 online courses free of charge to its blind and visually impaired students and their families. The courses are evaluated and tested using the most current screen-reading and screen-magnification programs and Braille displays. Students access the course material on the school’s website, complete and submit the lesson assignments online, and receive immediate feedback. For some courses, students may opt to take the course material online but submit their assignments via postal mail in their preferred formats. In addition, Hadley students have access to online chats with instructors, discussion boards, monthly web seminars, and free membership with Bookshare, an online library with more than 37,000 books in accessible formats available for downloading. A resource list for additional accessible online courses as well as a compilation of resources for issues in the accessibility of online learning are appended.
Published by: AFB Press (Website:http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=46)
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) (Web Site: http://www.afb.org )
Link to text: http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw090407
