Students

SPED8921 – Orientation and Mobility Fundamentals

2020 – Session 1, Intensive attendance, Other

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, any references to assessment tasks and on-campus delivery may no longer be up-to-date on this page.

Students should consult iLearn for revised unit information.

Find out more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and potential impacts on staff and students

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Susan Silveira
Contact via 0298720248
Renwick Centre, RIDBC
8-5 Monday to Friday
Lecturer
Bronwen Scott
Administration
Lena Karam
Contact via 0298720303
Renwick Centre, RIDBC
8-4 Monday to Friday
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MDisabilityStud
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit examines the theory and practice of orientation and mobility (O&M) for children and adults who are blind, have low vision, deafblindness or additional disabilities, within a range of learning environments. Unit content includes an introduction to foundational principles of concept development, spatial orientation and environmental analysis, with practical opportunities to teach and learn orientation and mobility concepts and skills. (Unit requires 5 day intensive attendance at RIDBC North Rocks, Sydney.)

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Promote independence in people with vision impairment of all ages by supporting modes of orientation and mobility that focus on safety
  • ULO2: Demonstrate an understanding of orientation concepts as they relate to assistive technology devices and mapping skills.
  • ULO3: Display inclusive team principles by adapting regular instructional programs to promote orientation and mobility knowledge and skills for individuals with vision impairment, including for sport, physical education, daily living, independent travel and practical activities
  • ULO4: Adapt orientation and mobility teaching techniques to support the development and learning attributes of individuals with vision impairment across the age spectrum

Assessment Tasks

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Assessment details are no longer provided here as a result of changes due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Students should consult iLearn for revised unit information.

Find out more about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and potential impacts on staff and students

General Assessment Information

Assessment Presentation and Submission Guidelines

Please follow these guidelines when you submit each assignment:

  • The assignment title page should include the student name, student number, unit code, title of the assessment and submitted word count.
  • Allow a left and right-hand margin of at least 2cm in all assignments.
  • Please type all assignments using 12-point font and 1.5 spacing.
  • All assessments must be submitted through Turnitin as a word document
  • It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all assessments are successfully submitted through Turnitin.

Draft Submissions & Turnitin Originality Reports

Students may use Turnitin’s Originality Report as a learning tool to improve their academic writing if this option is made available in the unit. Students are strongly encouraged to upload a draft copy of each assessment to Turnitin at least one week prior to the due date to obtain an Originality Report.

The Originality Report provides students with a similarity index that may indicate if plagiarism has occurred. Students will be able to make amendments to their drafts prior to their final submission on the due date.

Generally, one Originality Report is generated every 24 hours up to the due date.

Students should regularly save a copy of all assignments before submission.

Students are responsible for checking that their submission has been successful and has been submitted by the due date and time.

Assignment extensions and late penalties

In general, there should be no need for extensions except through illness or misadventure that would be categorised as serious and unavoidable disruption according to the University definition of same, see:  https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration

Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ according to the Special Consideration policy. Extensions can only be granted if they meet the Special Considerations policy and are submitted via https://ask.mq.edu.au/. This will ensure consistency in the consideration of such requests is maintained.

Late submissions without extension will receive a penalty of 5% reduction of the total possible mark for each day late (including weekends and public holidays). You are reminded that submitting even 1 day late could be the difference between passing and failing a unit. Late penalties are applied by unit convenors or their delegates after tasks are assessed.

No assessable work will be accepted after the return/release of marked work on the same topic. If a student is still permitted to submit on the basis of unavoidable disruption, an alternative topic may be set.

Students should keep an electronic file of all assessments. Claims regarding "lost" assessments cannot be made if the file cannot be produced. It is also advisable to keep an electronic file of all drafts and the final submission on a USB untouched/unopened after submission. This can be used to demonstrate easily that the assessment has not been amended after the submission date.

Requesting a re-assessment of an assignment

If you have evidence that your task has been incorrectly assessed against the grade descriptors you can request a re-mark. To request a re-mark you need to contact the unit convenor within 7 days of the date of return of the assignment and provide a detailed assessment of your script against the task criteria. Evidence from your assignment must be provided to support your judgements.

Failed assessments cannot be re-marked as they are all double-marked as a part of the moderation process.

The outcome of a re-mark may be a higher/lower or unchanged grade. Grades are standards referenced and effort is NOT a criterion.

Criteria for awarding grades for assessment tasks

Students will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the assessment policy: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment-in-effect-from-session-2-2016

In order to meet the unit outcomes and successfully pass this unit, students must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks. Where this requirement is not met you will be awarded an FA grade with a maximum mark of 45.

The following generic grade descriptors provide university-wide standards for awarding final grades.

Grade

Descriptor

HD

(High Distinction)

Provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application as appropriate to the discipline.

D

(Distinction)

Provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience.

Cr

(Credit)

Provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline.

P

(Pass)

Provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes

F

(Fail)

Does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline.

Withdrawing from this Unit

If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice via https://ask.mq.edu.au before doing so as this unit may be a co-requisite or prerequisite for units in the following sessions and may impact on your progression through the degree. Please also contact Claire Farrington on 0298720811 or claire.farrington@ridbc.org.au prior to withdrawing and for advice related to your progression.

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

 

Delivery and Resources

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Any references to on-campus delivery below may no longer be relevant due to COVID-19.

Please check here for updated delivery information: https://ask.mq.edu.au/account/pub/display/unit_status

Compulsory Campus Conference

The compulsory Campus Conference will be held in Week 4 (16 - 20 March, 2020).  The focus of this week is on developing some practical skills of O&M.  You will be working under blindfold as well as low vision simulators, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn some basic skills of long cane mobility.  Bring flat, comfortable shoes as we’ll be walking both around the Renwick Campus, as well as in the local community.

Please note the 5 day campus conference is compulsory and non attendance in its entirety will result in failing the unit.

Delivery and Resources

SPED8921 has a full web presence through iLearn. All requirements for this unit begin Session 1 Week 1, 2020. Students are expected to access the iLearn site and engage with unit materials regularly during session 1.

Support resources

Macquarie University has a range of services for students. If you are struggling with any aspect of academic life or career trajectory and skills, we have great supports within the university. Please refer to the comprehensive list of support services here.

Access and technical assistance

Information for students about access to the online component of this unit is available at ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/. You will need to enter your student username and password.

Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearn technical help.

No extensions will be given for any technical issues. Allow enough time for your submissions.

Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk ph: 1800 67 4357, or log a request at help.mq.edu.au. OneHelp is the online IT support service for both students and staff.

This unit requires students to use several ICT and software skills:

  • Internet access: The iLearn site contains materials for this unit; it is also required for the online submission of all Assessment Tasks, and for the use of Turnitin submission for ALL tasks. 
  • Word processing, visual representations, and document formatting: You are required to use an appropriate form of software to present your assignments.
  • Uploading of assessment tasks to iLearn.

 

Unit Schedule

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

The unit schedule/topics and any references to on-campus delivery below may no longer be relevant due to COVID-19. Please consult iLearn for latest details, and check here for updated delivery information: https://ask.mq.edu.au/account/pub/display/unit_status

SPED8921 has 12 topics which are released weekly:

              Week 1:  History, philosophy and principles of O&M

              Week 2:  Introduction to orientation systems

              Week 3:  Introduction to mobility systems

              Week 4:  Campus Conference (face-to-face)

              Week 5:  Psychosocial aspects relating to O&M

              Week 6:  O&M Assessment and planning

              Week 7:  Low vision and O&M

              Week 8:  O&M Skills & Techniques: Early Childhood

              Week 9:  O&M Skills & Techniques:  Primary School

              Week 10: O&M Skills & Techniques: High School & Beyond

              Week 11: Assistive Technology & O&M

              Week 12: CVI and O&M intervention

              Week 13: Roles & Responsibilities

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.