110 likes | 204 Views
Introducing Accessible Books at Newcastle-under-Lyme College. Newcastle-under-Lyme College. Newcastle-under-Lyme College. Large tertiary college in Staffordshire 3,500 full time students, 3,000 part time students Wide range of vocational and academic subject areas
E N D
Introducing Accessible Books at Newcastle-under-Lyme College
Newcastle-under-Lyme College • Large tertiary college in Staffordshire • 3,500 full time students, 3,000 part time students • Wide range of vocational and academic subject areas • Levels from pre-entry up to Foundation Degree • Building opened January 2010
Accessibility • Aware of physical requirements due to new build • Aware of some technical aids after time ine-learning role • Aware of e-books because of LRC Role • And then. . . . .
Accessibility • Went to a conference run by RSC West Midlands about accessibility • Amongst other useful things, learnt aboutthe Publisher Lookup database • For once, didn’t go home and forget about everything I’d heard
Working together • Had a meeting with Head of Learning Support • Already work together with extended borrowing times, extra printing allowances • Identified 2 learners who could benefit from a PDF version of their text book as a pilot • Wasn’t expecting much but. . . . .
The Pilot • Used Publisher Lookup to request text books • Had CDs on my desk within a week • No CD drives in college – so member of the LRC staff copied them on to memory stick • Learners and support staff very pleased • Rolled out to more learners
Current situation • All applicants with support needs are seen by ALS staff at interview • At that time we determine if an accessible text would be helpful • Get everything in place ready for results day for them to confirm their place and course • Ideally have text ready for their start date
Advantages • Selling point to applicant at interview • Forces staff to consider choice of text book • Increased liaison between LRC staff, Learning Support and Teaching Staff • Student more likely to succeed on programme
Issues • Identifying text book! • Publisher differences in approach • Availability of preferred text • Working together with Learning Support • Learning support staff awareness of online accessibility • Increased expectations