Erin Haines

SLM-521

April 7, 2005

 

 

Elective #7- Instructional Web Activity-Instructional Modifications

 

 

Vision-Impaired Modifications

 

They are many ways to accommodate vision-impaired students for web activities.  The possible accommodation list for this disability is one of the most extensive.   Web-based activities require a lot of visual activities.

 

  1. One of the first ways to accommodate a vision-impaired student is to have a larger monitor for their web activities.  This will make the picture larger so they are able to focus on the activity with greater intensity.  With the computer screen right in front of them, they may be able to see outlines better than if they were written on the board.
  2. Another modification would be an assistant reader.  Having someone assist in reading the activities on the web would be a tremendous help.  This would allow the vision impaired student more response time for the activity.
  3. A Braille and speak device would also be helpful to this student.  The Braille and speak would explain the webpage as it is pulled up. This interpretation would allow the student to work faster.
  4. Changing the print on the website would be very beneficial. 
    Larger print would make the site easier to read.  This would help the student follow the activity.
  5. Choosing web activities or websites that that do not have a lot of graphics or elaborate text would also be helpful to this student.  Editing the page for them would be another option.  The less clutter on the web and visual stimulation, the easier the page will be to read. 
  6. Having a webpage with bold print would be another good way to help these students.  This will make the activity even easier to see. 
  7. Moving these students to the front row will also be helpful.  This will allow them to focus better and be able to see the teacher, who is explaining the instructions.
  8. Earphones that allow the teacher to give explicit instructions would also be helpful.  These students need to stay focused on the activity and they need to have minimal distractions.
  9. A screen magnifier is another way to help these students.  Like a larger monitor, this will allow the activity to be enlarged.  This will make the assignment more clear. 
  10. A Braille printer would be a wonderful modification for this student. The Braille printer would make it easier for the student to read the material being presented.  This would be an essential tool for the blind student.

 

Technology has greatly advanced in the last few decades.  We are now able to help are learning disabled students use a computer to meet their learning needs.  All of these modifications make web-based learning interesting and exciting for the student.  Activities on the web would be almost impossible for these students without the help of the above modifications.  Because of them, this becomes an enjoyable learning experience.

 

Hearing-Impaired Modifications

 

Web-based learning is probably more beneficial than traditional learning to the hearing-impaired student.  Print is a vital learning tool for the hearing-impaired student.  What better way to learn than the internet?

 

  1. Headphones that have the teacher’s voice explaining the web directions may be helpful as this student sits at the computer to view the activity.  This may be more helpful for partial hearing loss. 
  2. Another helpful accommodation would be to have online written instructions for the student as you are going over verbal instructions for the rest of the class.  Allow headphone use so your voice isn’t distracting.  Reading lips may also be a method used in addition to the above modification.
  3. Allow these students to watch others doing these web-based activities.  This will help them to learn the hands-on activity.  In addition this will give them extra time to complete their project. 
  4. Allow these students access to an interpreter if necessary.  They may need this so that they can easily follow instructions for the web-based activity.
  5. Also, allowing the student to view the internet project on the home computer, prior to class would be helpful.  This ensures that they are fully prepared for the content of the webpage.
  6. A note taker may also be helpful in this case.  A note taker can write down the instructions for the hearing-impaired student.  When this student goes back to the web assignment, they will have the instruction to follow with the activity.
  7. Place this student in the front of the classroom with a computer.  This will make it easier for them to pay attention to the assignment and the directions. 
  8. Avoid clutter on web assignments.  Make the directions and print as clear as possible.  This will make it easier for them to complete the assignment.
  9. Another helpful modification is to create a private computer room for hearing-impaired students.  This room will allow them to work on internet assignments in their free time, making it easier to avoid any outside distractions.
  10. Give the student as many preparation materials as possible before they proceed on the internet.   This will make the material more clear.

 

Web activities are a great resource for hearing-impaired students.  This allows for hands-on projects, visual aides, and a variety of teaching methods.  All of these are beneficial to students with this disability.