Technology for an accessible classroom

Technologies in the classroom engage students in the learning process in a myriad of ways. The key issue for students who are Deaf or have hearing impairment and their teachers, is how to effectively access the information that technologies provide.

With the increasing emphasis on using multimedia resources in the classroom educators must understand how to make those resources accessible for all students; and they have a duty of care to do so.

The Accessible Education Database is a catalogue of captioned resources, which can be used to complement the use of the accessible classroom technologies listed below.

Classroom access technology

Technologies utilised in the Classroom Access Project:

Interactive Whiteboard (IWB)

IWBs deliver visual resources in a dynamic and interactive fashion. They are the ideal choice for an accessible classroom environment, as captioned educational content can be viewed easily.

Short shot projector

A data projector with a specific lens capable of projecting a large image onto a screen from a close distance. The close proximity of the projector to the screen ensures that teachers or students standing by the screen are not looking directly into the projector light, and that there is no shadow effect created on the screen.

Laptop computer

A portable computer which provide flexibility for both teachers and students when accessing captioned audiovisual media in the classroom. These enabled access to Media Access Australia’s Accessible Education Database, an online catalogue that lists captioned content and links to the National Library of Australia for borrowing.
 

Soundfield amplification system

A Soundfield amplification system will lift the teacher’s voice above background noise and spread it evenly across a classroom, benefiting all students and most particularly those who are hearing impaired. The teacher wears a microphone and all students benefit from the clarity of the speech. 

FM technology

This technology is a well-entrenched access solution in schools, designed to increase the sound level of the teacher’s voice above the classroom background noise. It is linked to the student’s hearing aid or cochlear implant and is accessed via the ‘T' switch on the student’s hearing device. FM devices can also be plugged into computers, Soundfield amplification systems and other audio devices to provide the student with direct and increased sound quality.

ClickView

A digital video and media solutions for schools, including in-school video delivery and recording systems, storage and management of digital media. ClickView is designed to assist learning in the classroom by providing a simple and complete solution for watching digital video and other digital media within a school.

CL-iLoops

This improves the audibility of MP3 players and other audio equipment via direct connection to the device. The student is required to activate the ‘T’ switch on their hearing aids to use this device.
 

Other accessible technology for the classroom

Personal Video Recorders (PVRs)

With closed captioning capabilities, PVRs have the capacity to record and store captioned content and to help build captioned library resources in schools. See specific information about PVRS.

Real time captioning software

An example of this includes Ai-Media’s Ai-Live, which is a live captioning service designed for the mainstream educational environment.

Apple computers and portable devices

Apple computers and portable devices are designed with a number of built-in accessibility features. There are also a range of accessibility-related apps which may be purchased from the iTunes store. Specific information about Apple products and their accessibility in education can be found on the Apple Special Education website.

More examples of accessible technology can be found in our digital technology section.


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