Hi Heather
As this is an open book exam, it would seem that finding the relevant
information is not a skill being tested, although given the size of the
full statute book, it could be argued that an element of familiarity
with the material is being tested.
Would it be acceptable to change the question for all students?
For example (I don't know how many statutes there are in total but lets
assume there are 25) currently the questions for the sighted students
are of the following nature "Find the relevant information among the 25
statutes and discuss this particular point". It is clear from what you
say that this is not possible for the VI student.
But if information finding is not a key skill being tested, why not
change the question for ALL students to "Find the relevant information,
which is in either statutes 4, 9 or 17, and discuss this particular
point" - the VI student could then be given just the three statutes to
choose from, as is, in effect, everyone else.
A consideration of time would still need to be made in terms of the
length of time given over to searching, but in general it is quicker to
search electronic texts than to visually scan hard copy text, so I'm
guessing no extra time would need to be allowed for this (extra time may
still be needed for other reasons).
To me it seems fairer to adjust the assessment so everyone gets an
equivalent experience than try to bring in an adjustment that may
significantly advantage (or disadvantage) the VI student.
But of course this may not be possible - just a suggestion!
Dr Simon Ball
Senior Advisor
JISC TechDis Service
Supporting the education sector in achieving greater accessibility and
inclusion by stimulating innovation and providing expert advice and
guidance on disability and technology.
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www.techdis.ac.uk
Skype: simontechdis
01904717580 / 07813917888
-----Original Message-----
From: Heather Blundell [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 27 February 2008 11:23
Subject: Alternative Assessment Law Exam
Dear All
We have a level 2 law student with a visual impairment. The department
would like to offer an alternative assessment (in actual fact it is
tweaking an existing assessment).
The student currently has provision for Braille examination papers and
or electronic examinations. In addition with open book examinations he
is allowed electronic material.
There are two law examinations where students are allowed to take in
statute books. It is impossible to provide the whole statute book
electronically. In addition the law department have said that these
books are not in electronic format. Tutors have suggested the
following:
The student be given the direct statutues electronically - justification
for this:
1. The statute book is not available in electronic format therefore the
student does not have access to statutes. Other students will know the
statute books inside out and will be able to locate required statute as
they will be familair with them. The student with the visual impairment
will spend a lot of time locating the required statute.
A questions has been raised as to whether this advantages the student
with the visual impairment.
Another solution has been to give the student 10 statutes only 2 of
which are relevant.
I am keen to know your advice, observations around this question.
Thanks in advance.
Heather
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