Where is our classroom?

Greetings! I'm Christian Robicheau and welcome to March! Ah yes! March is finally here and spring is just around the corner. Today, I have an interesting editorial to share with you; written by our president Donna J. Jodhan.
Today, Donna is asking for us to define our classroom.
Enjoy your weekend.

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Where is our classroom?
By Donna J. Jodhan

As a blind person who has been fortunate to have had the opportunity to take all kinds of courses and complete all kinds of degrees, I have been able to attend classes in person as well as take them online. The question for me as a blind person is this: Where exactly is my classroom? Where would be the best place for me?

Of course, I probably will not be able to give you a definitive answer but instead I’ll give you my thoughts on both settings.

I like attending classes in person because it gives me the chance to meet my fellow students and to interact directly with my professors and instructors. I would normally tape my classes with a digital recorder and then come home to listen and take notes. I would take notes using my computer. I find that if I try to take notes in the classroom using my computer, I soon get confused listening to the voice of my screen reading software along with listening to the voice of my lecturer. It’s funny though that I can take minutes with my computer but not take notes in class.

The challenges of attending classes in person is that I have to keep reminding the professor or instructor to describe or speak whatever is put on the board. In addition, printed handouts are a challenge for me to deal with. These two challenges however are becoming less of a problem for me.

I like attending classes from the comfort of my home; the online way but whereas I don’t have to put up with finding my way there to a physical location, there are the following challenges.
I have to ensure that online texts are in a readable format for me; in text, MS word, or HTML format.
I have to ensure that I can easily navigate the website where the online course is being given and that I can complete forms independently.
I have to ensure that I have easy access to my instructors either via email or via phone.

So where is my classroom? The jury is still out for me.


I'm Donna J. Jodhan wishing you a terrific day and weekend.
To reach me, please send an email to info@sterlingcreations.ca and I would be delighted to send you an electronic copy of our latest newsletter.

Here is a complete list of where you can view Donna's blogs and editorials.
Donna Jodhan! Advocating accessibility for all
http://www.donnajodhan.blogspot.com
Weekly features on how to increase your success with your business ventures
http://www.sterlingcreations.com/businessdesk.htm
Weekly articles and editorials on issues about accessibility
http://www.sterlingcreations.ca/blog
A monthly editorial on issues on diversity
http://www.diversityintheworkplace.ca