e-Learning/ICT Activities and difficulties with Language/Comprehension
Remember, disability is a highly individualised experience. People with the same disability may have very different capabilities and/or needs, so it is always best to discuss any adaptations to practice, the environment or equipment directly with the disabled person themselves rather than making assumptions about what adjustments may be suitable.
Effective communication between teacher and student, and/or between students, is crucial for most learning activities.
Difficulties with language and comprehension can include a broad range of difficulties associated with processing the speed, detail or organisation of information. People with language and comprehension difficulties may include those with dyslexia, those with hearing impairments who use British Sign Language (BSL) as their first language, overseas students with English as their second language or students with autistic spectrum disorders who use language literally and have difficulties with abstraction and ambiguous instruction.
When organising e-learning sessions that include members with a disability and/or learning difficulty, it is important to look closely at the conventions that are being used and to consider whether they are appropriate. Difficulties that might be experienced by certain students could include the following:
-
Students with visual impairments who cannot see who is speaking;
-
Deaf students who use British Sign Language (BSL).
See also e-Learning/ICT Related Activities and difficulties with Vision and e-Learning/ICT Related Activities and difficulties with Hearing
Assistive Technology:
There are two kinds of AT available – ‘Low Tech’ and ‘High Tech’.
‘Low Tech AT’ includes simple aids that normally cost little or no money. For example, a PC with spell check and thesaurus can support many students. Alternatively, by simply changing the ‘accessibility’ options on a Windows based PC, information can be made more accessible. Other items, such as hand-held magnifiers or study lamps, can improve access for students with a visual impairment.
