I am unaware of any guidance published covering the duties of
facilitors for blind students, I can only comment from my own
experience. A facilitator should act as the students eyes, looking
for items when requested. However as we all know much of the
interesting and useful information we come across when researching a
topic is found by serendipity. To some degree this process can still
occur when it is someone else who is doing the looking; they can
bring the students attention to the fact that they have found certain
information if it is felt that it would be of use or worth more
detailed investigation. One can ask here who could critisize this
process. it will never be as valuable a process as being able to see
material for ones self and I seriously doubt whether anyone even
using an expert in the area of research could obtain a significant
advantage over fellow students. What should aso be bore in mind is
that what seems to be being critisied here is the opportunity to
exploit a situation one which occurs due to the formal relationship
between student and facilitator. But what of any student who could
ask a more experienced individual friend etc. to aid them.
Steve Metcalfe
Division of Assistive Resources and Technology
University of Lincolnshire & Humberside, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1482 440550 ext. 4029
Fax: +44 (0)1482 441411
EMail [log in to unmask]
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