e-Learning/ICT Activities and difficulties with Hearing

Remember, disability is a highly individualised experience. People with the same disability may have very different capabilities and/or needs, so it is always best to discuss any adaptations to practice, the environment or equipment directly with the disabled person themselves rather than making assumptions about what adjustments may be suitable.

The inability to hear will not affect e-learning activities, per se, unless there is an associated auditory element to the e-learning activity. In this event, the teacher should provide written notes to accompany the tasks.

Assistive Technology:

There are two kinds of AT available – ‘Low Tech’ and ‘High Tech’.

‘Low Tech AT’ includes simple aids that normally cost little or no money. For example, a PC with spell check and thesaurus can support many students. Alternatively, by simply changing the ‘accessibility’ options on a Windows based PC, information can be made more accessible. Other items, such as hand-held magnifiers or study lamps, can improve access for students with a visual impairment.

Examples of assistive technology that can help people who are deaf/hard of hearing:

Induction Loop Systems

Examples Include: ‘The Ezee Loop’ The Ezee Loop is a portable induction loop system. It consists of a panel that is placed on a table or in any discreet position, where it creates a magnetic field. A microphone on the front of the panel picks up sound and the magnetic field relays this sound to hearing aid users or students using personal communicators or listeners (hearing aid users must switch to the 'T' position in order to benefit from the system). This is perfect for one-to-one conversations or small group discussions.

Notetaking Systems

Examples Include: ‘Speedtext’ Speedtext is an electronic notetaking service in which a Speedtext operator will attend an event (conferences, seminars, meetings, lecturers etc) and type notes, which are viewed by the Deaf or hard of hearing person on a separate computer screen. This service is particularly useful to Deaf people whose preferred language is English.

Click here for enabling strategies - e-Learning/ICT Activities

Click here for further information on difficulties with Hearing and enabling strategies

back to top