Heidi STREETMAN

As someone who is familiar with the Deaf community, I know how important it is for students to have access to closed captioning or subtitles to video.  I had not known Camtasia has CC.  I LOVE that there are now many ways to include CC when making Yuja or Camtasia videos for online classes.  These things are getting easier to use.  Though the captioning is not always accurate, it is better than ignoring the need to meet students where they are.  I intend to use it more for online content.

I have also been grateful to have help from the… >>>

I liked learning about websites and resources I can use to explore options that might help my students.

I had been unaware that some LMS's aren't really compatible with screen readers.  That surprized me.

None of this was really new to me.  I have been a teacher as the discourse about accessibility has evolved.  I have also been glad to see more training offered to teachers about what an institution has to offer, what tools can be used by instructors and students who need them.  

My frustration continues to be about students who do not go through the Accessibility office, but verbally report disabilities to me.  It's important to encourage students to be proactive to get accommodations in higher ed.    It helps clarify, for instructors, what to accommodate, and it informs the institution… >>>

The percentages of different disabilities present in students really struck me, especially the number of students who do not report disabilities.  Occasionally, while teaching, I will realize a student has struggles with processing info or piecing info together, and I wonder if this is a student who is either unaware of the issue or is not self-reporting.  

I love it when students are very open about their anxieties, depression, or other issues with which they are struggling.  Most often, other students will reach out to be more supportive of the student, and the affected student's openess helps me know to… >>>

I found the section on demonstrations really interesting because I don't do demos and labs in my writing classes, but we do some class activities as procedures.  Getting students engaged with one another about the content leads to better, deeper learning, and students reflect on the content more.  Anyway, I need to remember, from this module, to keep steps in our procedures to 5-7 step limits.  One way to do this is to break an activity across two class periods.  That way, students aren't overwhelmed.  They've had time to reflect, as have I .  So, on day two, I can… >>>

I really liked the last video where the professor was telling the students that she wants to hear what they are learning about and reflecting on in class discussions.  This will motivate students to come to class prepared, ready to actively participate, and to see themselves as contributers to the learning process.  This will motivate many students to become more active in their pursuit of learning.  I think I will use this approach in the future.

This module confirmed many of the things I do naturally when I teach a ground-based class.  I find that going a little early is a good thing.  Not only does it help me get in teaching mode, but often, students will ask questions or tell me something about themselves, or what we are working on that helps me get a better sense of where they are with the work I have asked them to do.

Online instruction is not like this.  I find it more challenging to create that bond with students that allows them to feel comfortable asking questions… >>>

For me, having a professional development plan is interesting.  I tend to take PD courses and seminars when they are offered--willy nilly-- to see what I can learn or to find new strategies for teaching, and to reflect on aspects of teaching.  I really need to be more targeted in determining my specific needs and find those PD opportunities around me to address where I need more growth or to be better informed.