George Bonnand

The ALT Text function in Word is something I was not aware and have never used.  I will give it a try in my documents.

Alternative text (alt text) allows screen readers to capture the description of an object and read it aloud, providing aid for those with visual impairments. 

The following data is interesting:

 "In a recent study, nearly one-third of blind respondents reported that their experiences were not successful or unreliable when using Learning Management Systems in general. The study found almost all of the features that good online instructors use, namely, assignments, discussion boards, whiteboards, graphics, timed exams, email, real-time chats and recordings were problematic. In particular, assessments which used matching and synchronous chats were the worst offenders. "

and 

".... a 2008 study released by the American Foundation for the Blind found that nearly one third of those students with disabilities who used assistive technology… >>>

I found that all the laws that we must abide by and be readily cognizant of could be interpreted by many in different ways.  I am glad there is training, clarification and individuls assigned to help CTE instructors.     

The following statements are really important for CTE instructors to realize:

Online instructors should be aware of three (3) specific definitions in the area of disabilities:

• Impairment 
• Accommodation
• Accessibility 

Besides this being the “right thing to do” in order to remove barriers to attaining higher education, the U.S. Federal government has made it a legal requirement. Access to college programs, services and activities in the traditional “brick and mortar” college environment as well as the online versions must be available to every learner. These federal mandates, specifically the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,… >>>

Multiple evaluation methods is what is needed to properly evaluate students overall.  Closing the loop using a variety of evaluation methods for courses will allow an instructor to revise the course to make it better for all.    

The immediate and positive feedback provided on assignments/projects is an important factor in student success.  Feedback should be:

• Connected to learning objectives as well overall SLOs for the course.  Connecting a rubrics to it is an interesting thought and one that I may pursue later.
• Frequent as applied to assignments, projects, and online responses
• Positive in tone-negative comments or tones will discourage the student
• Responses should be automatic or within a 48 hour period if at all possible.
• Feedback should be provided in a variety of ways such as:
  • written peer or instructor feedback on assignments, projects, discussions, etc.
  • auditory
  … >>>

This section has enlightened me as to methods and ways that I can improve current online instruction that is utilized in our CTE area.  There were 3 areas that interested me and that I will pursue more information on.  They are:

• Dynamic Syllabus
• Wikis
• Scaffolding

For those of us that are accustom to a normal flat syllabus where students must read what is expected of them, we must now start to think a bit differently on how we organize the information.  In some cases, this may be doing the student a disservice when they enter the working world of manufacturing. … >>>

I believe it is important to understand your audience and what they need in a module.  Consistency of methods when delivering instruction or evaluating knowledge gained is critical to student success.  Course module to course module similarity when doing online instruction allows the students to develop a sense of comfort when learning a new subject.