Most technology training for blind users focuses on rote learning. This is not sustainable. We will discuss practical methods for helping students become perpetual learners.
Amy Mason, San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
The truth according to your friendly at specialist- Amy Mason
CSUN 2019
Considered earlier
Tech changing fast
Tools are changing fast
Rote learning is not sustainable
Tech training needs to change
Epiphany- “(Blind) users must learn to problem solve.” Amy
Dave Andrews “Most screen readers know only 1-2 commands and they use them whether they work or not.”
Lesson 1: Student knows what they need. Blind students are the same!
Help them choose tool based on their ability to get things done.
Lesson 2: The student knows what they care about. Leverage a students passion. A project or career that motivates.
Lesson 3- Student needs to know key concepts on which to grow.
Learn universal concepts instead of rote steps. Teach the process!
For making a google search consider:
Do this instead of teaching a sequence of steps, otherwise, the student will fail when the steps are updated or changed.
Lesson 4: case study in navigation
Interactions with screen reader on the Mac are much like searching your purse/backpack. Things in things. Explain it, show with manipulatives- In other words make it meaningful describe the overall structure.
IOS Chess- Demo with a rubber duck to teach focus and patterns of voiceover search on a chess board.
LEGO Windows Desktop- attaching meaning to things in proximity.
Lesson 5- let the student know it’s hard to make it blow (up).
Encourage students to explore and investigate. Model this for students. Screw up and make it better. Don’t be afraid to break it. Teach problem solving here.
Lesson 6- an attitude can change your life. Your attitude will affect your student. Kids will reflect your attitude. This is an opportunity for growth. Have high expectations. Have students teach and blog about their journey. It’s empowering.
Lesson 7- harness power of community- it’s powerful.
Next steps
Universal problems and solutions
Facilitate users to keep useful notes
Incorporate community
Don’t panic
Talk to mad lab at lighthouse and ask about tactile models of website like google chrome etc.
Talked about making desktop windows using swell paper, or legos, magnets, Velcro.