Skills for Access

Name

TK Vincent

Key technology

Microsoft Word; virtual learning environments; WebCT; online discussion boards; e-learning websites; video; audio.

Specific issues/key terms

text readability; transcripts; video captioning; ability to print information.

What's your disability, and how does it affect your learning?

I am hard of hearing in both ears. This means any sound based learning can be extremely difficult to absorb and comprehend, especially when it involves vast amounts of new specialist terminology. Taking notes while simultaneously listening to lectures or information over a sustained amount of time is nearly impossible without missing information while writing it. This means a transcribed copy of lectures or information is needed to accompany verbal communication to ensure understanding and making it easier to assimilate. Only extra dotted expansive notes will then be needed for comprehension later on when rereading the information. I occasionally find it constructive to record lectures on a mini-disk, which provides a clearer playback with reduced background noise than an ordinary recorder.

In my studies of English Language and Linguistics, sound based modules such as Phonetics were especially difficult, as distinguishing between isolated sounds are impossible, no matter how many times sounds were repeated. My hearing does not have problems with volume as much as frequency, in particular unvoiced consonants. Therefore mishearing can occur, which can lead to mispronunciation or confusion. In this case, the sound files of the International Alphabet on the internet that students were encouraged to use, and the video, were of very little use. In the end, a new oral and listening test was provided for me that did not rely on the use of sound at all.

How do you adapt your computer to make it easier for you to use?

The Internet is a valuable resource that allows me to research, learn and communicate with others, without it I would not be the student I am. When using the Internet, the saving "favourite" websites links function has been essential for quick research, referencing and recalling.

I organize my computer files carefully with filing systems to ensure easy and quick access to specific genre based items. When using software, I find the application of the Thesaurus is of great use when creating essays in Microsoft Word.

What are the main problems you encounter when you use multimedia?

Navigating new software can be time consuming and frustrating when functions are either not explained or easy to operate. Poor interfacing can easily lessen my desire to use that piece of multimedia.

Video clips and sound files are not necessarily the clearest tools to use whether online or off a CD-ROM. The speakers do not necessarily have perfect diction or speak in the clearest accent, which again can lead to frustration. Where learning involves looking at where sound deviates from a norm, say Yorkshire accents as opposed to Received Pronunciation or "Estuary English", again the ability to hear is essential and not everyone is so blessed!

How does well-designed multimedia enhance your learning?

WebCT - message boards: I found this tool of immense use. In one module our preparation was to answer a question provided by the lecturer each week and post it as a message on WebCT. We were then encouraged to interact with each other. In answering and questioning one another's messages it became a form of online discussion and support group. It allowed all the students to express themselves and exchange ideas or terminology before the seminar. Shy students seemed to open up since it was compulsory and were more willing to contribute in the seminar. Since it was written down, hearing was also of no consequence. In the lecture, these ideas were discussed which ensured a rich debate on the day. These messages became a helpful resource of information when assignments were handed out.

WebCT - in general: The diary helped to timetable assignments deadlines easily and to discern what had the highest priority. The links put on by members of staff made reading articles and journals more assessable as searching via search engines like Google can provide unreliable material, or a plethora of links which may or may not be significant.

Do you have any specific recommendations or advice to designers of media rich material?

When designing multimedia, the navigation of websites or CD-ROMs or software must be as user-friendly as possible. The inclusions of menus, home buttons, hyperlinks and icons are essential for easy manipulation. Interactive sites can be beneficial to differentiate them from other sites as they are more pleasurable to use but are not a necessity. Message boards, however, can really help individual students, particularly those that learn from home, as forms of communication, assistance and support.

One element nearly always missing from an educational website is a simple glossary of specialist terms. This would help infinitely in the quick assimilation of information.

I have always been frustrated with web sites or software or items that do not take account of those with hard of hearing problems. I suggest that all sound files should have an option that allows users to read the transcribed version of the file as a written text or have the option of captions. If these options are displayed along side the sound file icon, it will allow those of heard of hearing to take in the information much more easily and be less likely to mishear or neglect any part of the file. This is especially important in education based products with a new technical lexicon, where taking in new words and meanings at the same time can be difficult.

The inability to print files can also be a nuisance as reading hard copies of articles aid comprehension and lessen the possibilities of headaches. While I appreciate plagiarism is a problem, reading off a screen for long periods is difficult!