Browsing by Author "Hood, Jodie Brown"

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The effects of accommodations on the achievements of students with hearing loss in online courses in science and various subjects
(Montana State University - Bozeman, Graduate School, 2015) Hood, Jodie Brown; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Peggy Taylor.
Most of the students with hearing loss believe online courses from various universities lack visual aids and accommodations. This led me to analyze the students' overall experiences and attitudes regarding the accommodations of online courses from eight different hearing universities nationwide. The purpose of this study was to determine if the accommodations in online courses were adequate for the students with hearing loss and if the accommodations benefited these students. Universities offering online courses are becoming more common and widespread, and it is imperative for these universities to ensure online courses are accommodating the needs of students with hearing loss. The data from the online students was gathered during the third week of November 2014 and again during the spring 2015 semester. Data from the instructors and service providers was collected at intervals during the spring 2015 semester. The structured interviews with the students were conducted by using the Student Interview Questions. Data about the participants were collected by administering the Student Accommodation and Online Learning Course Pre and Post-Survey to the students with hearing loss. The post-survey results were compared to the pre-survey results for improvements in students' attitudes toward online classes. The purpose of these interviews was to determine if there would be any correlation between instructor and service provider responses and the responses from the students from the pre and post-survey. The results of the Student Accommodation and Online Learning Course Pre-Survey from the fall and springs semester revealed the students' responses generally were positive. Responses slightly shifted between the pre and post-surveys. The result of the study revealed an increase in the average in the accommodation improving the learning from the online course from the beginning of the semester to the end of the semester. The students with hearing loss provided suggestions on how to make online courses more accessible. Overall, the results of my study were generally positive, but different institutions need to continue improving their technologies to make it more deaf friendly for the future students with hearing loss.