Benefits and Strategies of Teaching Assistive Technology Remotely
Sep 22, 2020
Teaching remotely has been a challenge and a top discussion ever since the pandemic started. We had to adjust from teaching in-person and figure out how we are supposed to teach remotely in a short period of time. This week’s episode is extra special and unique, bringing you valuable insights from our recent webinar that I’m sure will resonate with many educators, particularly those navigating the challenges of teaching remotely.
In this episode, I’m excited to share with you the wisdom of Tim Richard, a dear friend and a true expert in assistive technology (AT) and O&M. Tim generously joined our community to discuss how you can use assistive technology to teach remote O&M classes. Whether you’re teaching virtually, in person, or hybrid, his strategies and recommendations can make your lessons more effective without the stress of figuring it out all by yourself.
Remote Teaching in a New Era
As many of us know, teaching remotely became a reality for educators across the globe after the COVID-19 pandemic struck. While the transition has had its challenges, it has also opened doors to new possibilities and opportunities, especially in the field of assistive technology for individuals with visual impairments.
Tim Richard, a certified O&M specialist, vision rehabilitation therapist (VRT), and one of the first CATIS-certified AT Instructional Specialists through ACVREP, has been teaching for over a decade. His vast experience gives him a unique perspective on teaching both in-person and remotely. When the pandemic forced the world to adapt to remote learning, Tim found himself, like many of us, embracing the challenge. His motto: If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.
In this session, Tim highlights some of the surprising benefits of teaching remotely, especially for students with visual impairments.
The Benefits of Remote Instruction
1. Students Learn and Practice Key Computer Skills
One of the immediate benefits of remote instruction is that it forces students to engage with their computer access skills in ways that in-person classes might not. Tim observed that students often don’t practice their computer skills outside of lessons, especially when they’re not given a platform that encourages this practice. Remote instruction, however, naturally requires students to have basic computer skills to participate in lessons. This not only helps them grow their abilities but also prepares them for a future where these skills are critical—especially as remote work becomes the norm across industries.
2. Wider Access to AT Training
Teaching remotely can significantly increase access to AT instruction for students in rural or underserved areas. Tim explains how individuals in remote communities who might not otherwise have access to specialized services like O&M or VRT instruction can now receive top-tier education from skilled instructors anywhere in the world. This opens up incredible opportunities for students and educators alike, and for those of us passionate about this field, it can be an exciting way to expand our reach.
3. Easier Troubleshooting
Another advantage of teaching remotely, as Tim shared, is the ease of troubleshooting. With remote access to a student's computer, instructors can quickly see exactly what’s on the screen and pinpoint issues more easily. This is particularly helpful when working with screen readers like JAWS or NVDA. If a student is having trouble pressing the correct key or understanding what’s on their screen, you can guide them efficiently by seeing their screen in real-time.
Embracing the Future of Remote Instruction
While teaching remotely has undoubtedly posed its challenges, it also offers unique benefits. For instructors, remote teaching allows more flexibility in how and where we work. For students, it opens doors to learning from the comfort of their own homes, regardless of geographic location. Tim Richard’s insights can help us all better navigate this new teaching landscape.
To learn more from Tim or to watch the full webinar, you can visit Assistive Tech and Trends at assistivetechandtrends.com/webinar. You can also join us at the upcoming Assistive Technology and Trends Online Conference in October, where we’ll explore exciting topics such as cooking, O&M robotics, Android accessibility updates, and much more!
Helping You Plan Remote O&M Lessons
We know that teaching remote O&M lessons can feel overwhelming, especially when you're used to planning face-to-face classes. To make your life easier, we’ve bundled together eight free remote O&M lesson plans designed by the Allied Independence community. These customizable lessons are perfect for virtual or distance teaching, and you can implement them in five minutes or less. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these lesson plans will help you spend less time planning and more time doing what you do best—teaching.
Don’t miss out on these incredible resources!
