The Academic Success Center and Office of the Provost have put together some good resources to help students as they transition to an online learning environment including:
If you are a student who is apprehensive or is experiencing anxiety related to transitioning to courses online, we have included some tips for you! Remember that if you encounter any barriers related to your disability in an online course you should contact your assigned Access Coordinator.
- Online Learning Strategies for Students with Disabilities from Access Computing
Are you having trouble staying focused?
Some students with disabilities find it challenging to stay focused for long periods. This time frame will be different for each student. Based on your needs, work for planned increments of time (i.e. 30 minutes) and take short breaks, in order to refocus. It may be helpful to set a timer during work and break periods.
Do you struggle with organization?
If you are like many of us that struggle with organization, creating a schedule may be helpful. Utilize a calendar and/or planner so that you can keep up with assignment deadlines and due dates. Your schedule should also include carved out time daily for class preparation, homework, and studying.
Are you feeling fatigued or dealing with eye strain due to increased screen time?
It’s important to take breaks throughout the day to give your brain, eyes and body a chance to decompress. Staring at a computer display for extended periods of time can cause fatigue, strain, headaches or blurred vision.
- To alleviate issues related to excessive screen time, you can use tools like text-to-speech or screen reading software to have sections of content or entire documents read aloud. (Think of it like Siri or Alexa reading your course materials to you.)
- You might also explore an app like f.lux, which adjust the temperature of your display to provide more natural colors throughout the day.
Feel free to contact your Access Coordinator to set up an appointment with an Assistive Technology Specialist to see if these options might be helpful.
Do you get easily distracted when completing assignments online?
While taking online courses, it will be easy to become distracted and get off task with the availability of other websites and social media. Website blockers can help! Website blockers block websites of your choosing to reduce distractions and increase productivity. You can block certain websites during study periods and have the ability to access them when tasks are completed.
Is your disability impacting your ability to read?
If you are most successful when text items (documents, websites, emails, etc.) are read to you, text-to-speech software may be helpful. This software can be used for reading textbooks and exams aloud. Think of it as Siri or Alexa reading to you. Many students enjoy this option because it gives them the flexibility to easily have things re-read and highlighted visually as they read through materials.
- The TAMU Software Center has a site license of a product called Read & Write
- Available for download in both Windows and Mac platforms
- Free for most TAMU students, faculty and staff
- Please contact your Access Coordinator if you would like to discuss this tool or if you would like to meet with one of our Assistive Technology Specialists to learn how to use this program.
Do you find spelling and writing challenging?
Utilizing a laptop or tablet can assist with barriers in writing and using program such as Microsoft Word and Grammarly can assist with any spelling errors. There are other more robust software programs that include advanced spelling, grammar and other writing tools. You can also look at voice to text software that allows users the options to speak their words, rather than typing or handwriting.
- The TAMU Software Center has a site license of a product called Read & Write
- Available for download in both Windows and Mac platforms
- Free for most TAMU students, faculty and staff
- Please contact your Access Coordinator if you would like to discuss these tools or if you would like to meet with one of our Assistive Technology Specialists to learn how to use this program.