[Athen] Deaf student in course using VoiceThread

[Poore-Pariseau, Cindy]

A while ago, the Voice Thread “folks” had a workshop in which we were able to ask about accessibility.  Below is their response.  Note:  I personally do not like this alternative and hope they come up with something else, but this is where they are at for now.

Hi Cindy,

Here is the information about the new Voice Thread. It really is much nicer than the old version. The new version (which we won’t migrate to until after spring break) allows for keyboard shortcuts, and better readability with browser based readers. They still suggest using VoiceThread universal which is a streamlined version of the full website. The new version allows for easier access to CC for videos, however, they do not have it for voice yet. They are working on it.



Accessibility:



A summary of the accessibility options available in the new version of VoiceThread can be found at the following link:

http://docs.voicethread.com/category/web-application/accessibility-web-application/



Information on mobile options can be found below:

http://docs.voicethread.com/category/mobile-app/accessibility/



The VoiceThread Universal site option, optimized for screen readers, can be read about here:

http://docs.voicethread.com/web-application/accessibility-web-application/voicethread-universal/



At present, the VoiceThread Universal option is usable for viewing and participation in VoiceThread content, but not creation. In order to create content, users will still need to visit the default VoiceThread site. This is one feature we are currently working to improve.



Regarding captioning: currently, we do not have the ability to upload caption files to audio comments; however, one workaround for this is to enter the transcription in a text comment following the audio. We will inform all of our users when any changes have been made to this or other captioning functionality, as well as any changes to the Universal option.



Here is a link to our whitepaper on accessibility:

https://voicethread.com/resources/VoiceThread-Accessibility-Whitepaper.pdf







• Email:   cindy.poore-pariseau at bristolcc.edu
• Phone:  (508) 678-2811 x 2470
Ê Fax:        (508) 730-3297

http://www.bristolcc.edu/students/disabilityservices/


From: athen-list [mailto:athen-list-bounces at mailman13.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Brent Whiting
Sent: Monday, December 21, 2015 11:56 AM
To: Access Technology Higher Education Network <athen-list at u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [Athen] Deaf student in course using VoiceThread

Nazely,
At Temple we are currently working through an evaluation for usage strategy of VoiceThread.  Our current proposed direction is that any student that contributes to a thread via audio or video will need to (at minimum) provide a synopsis of the content covered in their audio comments immediately after their post.  (we are also hoping to get on VoiceThread’s radar for a feature request that would prompt for this synopsis immediately upon posting any media file)

We’re concerned that waiting for a file to be captioned would potentially leave a deaf student out of an active/live discussion.

Brent
-------------------
Brent Whiting
Director of Information Systems
Academic Computing
Temple University
Ambler Learning Center – Rm 110

bwhiting at temple.edu<mailto:bwhiting at temple.edu>
voice (267) 468-8380

From: athen-list [mailto:athen-list-bounces at mailman13.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Nazely Kurkjian
Sent: Friday, December 18, 2015 4:26 PM
To: DSSHE-L at listserv.buffalo.edu<mailto:DSSHE-L at listserv.buffalo.edu>; athen-list at u.washington.edu<mailto:athen-list at u.washington.edu>
Subject: [Athen] Deaf student in course using VoiceThread

Good afternoon & apologies for the cross-post~

A student who is deaf is enrolled in a graduate level Managing Information and Technology course and they use VoiceThread to facilitate online discussions. Students may choose to participate using video, audio only, or text only. The professor intends to provide feedback to the students using text.

The student knows ASL, but what I'm concerned about is how we're going to make the other students responses accessible in a timely and equitable manner. I don't believe any of the other students know ASL, and if they choose to create video or audio discussion, I'm not sure how to go about providing access.

Apparently, you can add captions to VoiceThread files<https://voicethread.com/howto/closed-captioning/>, but is this something we should ask the students (in the class) to provide or should our office provide it as soon as possible after something has been posted? I'm talking to the professor on Tuesday, so maybe that will give me a better idea on the expected student response turnaround time.

I sincerely appreciate any advice or recommendations.

Thank you,
Nazely

--

Nazely Kurkjian
"Shame on us...  If we let the wonders of educational technology and broadband internet lead to more inequality as opposed to less"

Adaptive Technology Specialist
Services for Students with Disabilities - UU 119
Binghamton University
Phone: 607-777-2686
Email: kurkjian at binghamton.edu<mailto:kurkjian at binghamton.edu>
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