e-Learning as relevant to me

This year I am studying to complete a grad dip in special education, specialisation in vision impairment. I have really enjoyed my study this year and chose this paper as I needed an extra to complete my course. For that reason it has been difficult for me to take what I have learned this year and apply it to my class, since I don't have one.

However I have enjoyed learning about all of the different technologies available to learners who are blind and vision impaired this year. From technologies that help braille learners, to technologies for enlarging, to technologies that allow learners to customise different devices:

Optical aids

• monocular
• dome magnifiers
• stand and hand held magnifiers

Non-optical aids

• lamps
• reading stands
• video magnifiers
• computers
• CCTV
• anti-glare aids

Different options of course come with different issues to consider:

• size
• portability
• cost and funding
• preferences
• teacher skill
• appropriateness

Learning about DAISY and how this can open up learning opportunities for learners with a vision or print impairment has been really beneficial. Understanding how DAISY talking books can be used and the ease with which learners can navigate through books in a similar manner to their sighted peers, shows an exciting future for these learners. A DAISY textbook pilot study conducted in NZ outlines the potential benefits of DAISY talking books as well as issues with DAISY production, implications and considerations when looking at the use of these digital talking books in NZ.