Adaptive Technology and Online Learning

Online education is a means by which students are able to pick and choose educational programs that suit their goals, fit their budgets, and all on a timetable that is appropriate for their lives. It is a way that individuals can obtain the knowledge and credentials they need and want, without having to commute to a campus. But the classes are not perfect; institutions are still working out the kinks.

How well do online schools prepare their programs to be accessible to students with disabilities? To help shed some light on this subject, meet an expert, Mr. Thomas Lee McKeithan II.

Mr. McKeithan, of Cheverly, MD, a native of Washington, D.C., is currently a Test Engineer at New Editions Consulting, Inc. In his position, he ensures that the information systems, website, and electronic publications from the Department of Veteran Affairs are fully compliant with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. He also served as a member of the Mayor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (from 1995-2000) for the District of Columbia. By the way, he’s an online student, too!

He is currently an online student earning a Master’s degree in Information Systems Management/Project Management at DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management dedicating 16 – 20 hours a week to his studies. Aside from his studies, Mr. McKeithan is a husband, a homeowner, works full time, and devotes 10 – 12 hours a week to rehearsals and worship services as the Senior Musician for the Star of Bethlehem, Church of God in Christ as an organist.

Like most distance learning students, Mr. McKeithan has a demanding agenda, and time-management skills are a must. He kindly took some time out of his schedule to discuss his experiences as a student using adaptive software (as he is legally blind).

Mr. McKeithan earned his Bachelor of Arts from American University in 2000 in "CLEG" (Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics and Government), and undertook his graduate studies the following year, 2001. He had originally set out to earn a dual Master’s degree in Public Administration/Project Management, but after having worked in his position testing Section 508 compliance, he made the decision to earn a degree in Information Systems/Project Management. Disability rights advocacy have "always been a part of my academic matriculation," so his degree is a great fit for his career goals.

In his decision to return to school, he said that he chose online education because "it gives me flexibility," and it allows him to "strike a balance" between his duties as a husband, a musician, an engineer, and an activist. "An online, or term, environment is intense . . . you can easily get behind," whereas in a "campus or semester environment . . . you can slip a little . . . it’s a slower pace." With strong conviction, he added, "Anything worth working for is worth the energy and investment."

When asked what kinds of challenges he has encountered, (in regards to pursuing his education), Mr. McKeithan commented, "[In 2001] Keller really made an effort to make sure things were done," though it was clear that there was "not a cohesive accommodations strategy" in place to provide him an other students with disabilities the tools they needed to optimize their courses. "It has been perplexing." He later added, "You have to convince folks to comply with the law. Accommodations is not simply extending the time allocation for students to take exams and quizzes, but it is the implementation of an effective strategy that insures that the student with a disability is able to grasp the material and navigate the program successfully."

After beginning his courses, he took some time off, but started back up again in March 2006. "I made it clear to my academic advisor, Dacia that I wanted an accommodation strategy that mapped to the program’s requirements!!" He began all the necessary paperwork in mid-February; but it was not until mid-April, after classes began, that anything was approved. The result was that "I essentially had to complete the March 2006 term’s tasks in May which caused me to get behind with the May 2006 term’s work, but with God’s strength and by working collaboratively with Keller, I survived the storm!!" Mr. McKeithan had taken time away from work in order to ensure that he would be able to receive proper accommodations: "It was a really stressful time for me...I needed a reader for my courses [in order to] manage and get through this."

He immediately contacted his reader from high school and undergraduate school, Shaun Hardy, and received approval from Keller to be reimbursed for the expenses, but he admits, "I had to be aggressive about it. I had to provide a rationale as to why I needed a reader!! During the conversation, I sat in my office, prayed, and then provided an effective explanation in that the material is complex, there’s a lot and I have to use project management software that is inaccessible for my projects, there’s a lot of graphs that I need interpreted, and I deserve the accommodation!" And now? "Keller knows the direction that needs to be happening with me and we are charting this course together. I’ll be the first to admit that there are some intense discussions that have occurred, but my advisor, Dacia and I always end the conversation with a thought or two to lighten the mood. Dacia has really been an advocate for me and an outstanding advisor, we connected during our first conversation in February 2006, we both have an interest in music and spiritual and academic growth, she’s genuinely supportive and cares about my success." Mr. McKeithan knows that these sorts of delays and problems are not isolated to online schools. "It happens in a traditional setting as well, the difference is that you have more time to take corrective action before the 16 weeks are over."

His e-books are accessible, and there are a variety of screen readers available on the market, such as JAWS (Mr. McKeithan uses Window-Eyes from GW Micro), but some websites, complex graphics and tables have not been designed to be compatible with such programs and are not 508 compliant. "There were a number of simulations I had to do for Economics, and I had to have my reader describe the graphics to me." Though understanding these simulations was required for the course, they "were not 508 compliant." His Accounting course also includes some intricate tables as well. His reader reads with him for two to 3 hours two nights a week, but after that, the mind requires rest! "Shaun and I both become immersed in the material. We often stop to discuss a point in terms of its practicality. We keep it real!! I value and appreciate Shaun’s dedication to my academic and professional growth. He’s just not a reader, but a mentor and friend!!"

His overall impression of DeVry and his Master’s program? "It has been really engaging. I like it because of the flexibility. I enjoy the online experience; I think Keller’s trying. Once they realize that something’s an issue, they’re willing to make adjustments. We’re finally turning a corner." Mr. McKeithan goes the extra mile: "I make it a point to speak with each of my professors sometime during the semester. It’s not just on the schools; I have an obligation, too."

Mr. McKeithan, despite his level of experience, expertise, and rigorous educational background, admits that some individuals question his abilities. "There are still people who holds a negative, stereotypical perception of blind people and their ‘limits’ . . . and that they can not be in certain fields. I have gotten used to [having to prove myself to others], but it’s frustrating." He finds strength from "a lot of prayer," and acknowledged the hard work, sacrifice and support of his father and mother, who fostered an environment conducive to the development of character, morals and values. "I was challenged to aim high and be ambitious and to be persistent and never give up! I would be an idiot and a fool not to strive for academic excellence. It’s getting harder out there. You have to compete. I think, when I’m feeling discouraged, of Philippians 4:13: ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.’"

He lent some great words of encouragement: "Believing is achieving, and achieving is believing. For if I believe, I can, and I will, achieve."