Students

SPED8925 – Foundations of Technology in Vision Impairment

2021 – Session 2, Fully online/virtual

Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update

The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.

This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.

Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Course Director, Master of Disability Studies
Susan Silveira
Contact via 02 9872 0248
NextSense Institute
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
Administration
Lena Karam
Contact via 02 9872 0303
NestSense Institute, North Rocks NSW
Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm
Lena Karam
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(Admission to MDistStudies and SPED926 or SPED8926) or (Admission to MAccComm)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This Unit explores the diversity of technology, formats, software and apps that assist individuals with vision impairment to access and communicate information in early childhood, education, vocational and community settings. Students will be introduced to assessment and instructional approaches, options for visual and non-visual access to information, assistive technology financing and usage.

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: Draw on recent and relevant sources to identify inclusive assistive devices, software/apps and literacy formats for persons with vision impairment
  • ULO2: Independently design, develop and critically evaluate a professional learning program that addresses the specific technology requirements of an individual with vision impairment
  • ULO3: Effectively communicate information about vision-specific technology to individuals with vision impairment, their parents/carers, educators or other professionals
  • ULO4: Demonstrate your knowledge and skills in reflective practice in the field of technology through the development of a evaluation tool for self-reflection and critical feedback from other professionals

General Assessment Information

Assessment Presentation and Submission Guidelines

Please follow these guidelines when you submit each assignment:

  • All assignments must comply with the NextSense Accessible Style Guide
  • 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 Arial, 12-point font and 1.5 spacing.
  • All assignments must be submitted through Turnitin as an accessible word document – do not submit as a pdf.
  • It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all assignments are successfully submitted through Turnitin (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/technology/systems/ilearn).
  • For written assignments, the Turnitin Similarity Report must also be submitted using the correct Turnitin submission point at the time of assignment submission.
  • Faculty assignment cover sheets are NOT required.

Draft Submissions & Turnitin Similarity Reports

  • Students must use the Turnitin Similarity Report as a learning tool to improve their academic writing and, in consideration of the report outcome, attend to any potential academic integrity issues, prior to submission of the final version of the assignment.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to upload a draft copy of each assignment to Turnitin at least one week prior to the due date to obtain a Similarity Report.
  • The Similarity 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 Similarity Report is generated every 24 hours up to the due date.
  • For all written assignments, the Similarity Report must also be submitted using the correct Turnitin submission point.

Please note:

  • 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

  • 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: Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply - 10/100 marks of credit (10% of the total assessment weighting) will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted seven days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessment - e.g. quizzes, online tests. A zero result for the assignment will be recorded after the late submission period has ended if no task has been received.
  • 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.

Note:

  • Please do not request a re-mark for a Failed assessment 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.

University policy on grading

Criteria for awarding grades for assessment tasks

Assignments will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the University's Grading Policy. The following descriptive criteria are included for your information.

Descriptive Criteria for awarding grades in the unit

In order to meet the unit outcomes and successfully pass this unit, students must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks. Where any submitted assessment task is considered to be unsatisfactory in this regard, the highest possible final grade that can be awarded for the unit will be 45.

Students will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the policy: https://policies.mq.edu.au/document/view.php?id=17&version=2

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.

Note: If you fail a unit with a professional experience component, the fail grade will be on your transcript irrespective of the timing of the placement.

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 Sue Silveira on 0298720248 or susan.silveira@mq.edu.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.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Design of a training module 50% No 6/9/21
Critical Evaluation 50% No 25/10/21

Design of a training module

Assessment Type 1: Media presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 6/9/21
Weighting: 50%

Design a training module that outlines the implementation of one access technology. (2500 words)


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Draw on recent and relevant sources to identify inclusive assistive devices, software/apps and literacy formats for persons with vision impairment
  • Independently design, develop and critically evaluate a professional learning program that addresses the specific technology requirements of an individual with vision impairment
  • Effectively communicate information about vision-specific technology to individuals with vision impairment, their parents/carers, educators or other professionals

Critical Evaluation

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 25/10/21
Weighting: 50%

Critical evaluation of the training module, (2500 words)


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Independently design, develop and critically evaluate a professional learning program that addresses the specific technology requirements of an individual with vision impairment
  • Effectively communicate information about vision-specific technology to individuals with vision impairment, their parents/carers, educators or other professionals
  • Demonstrate your knowledge and skills in reflective practice in the field of technology through the development of a evaluation tool for self-reflection and critical feedback from other professionals

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Prescribed texts

  1. Siu, Y-T., & Presley, I. (2020). Access technology for blind and low vision accessibility (2nd ed.). APH Press, American Printing House for the Blind. Available from the Office of NextSense Institute, North Rocks NSW.
  2. Knight, M. (2019). Early learning access technology framework: For children who are blind or have significant vision impairment (Revised). Available on the SPED8925 iLearn site.

Unit Schedule

Week Beg

Topics and assessments

Online sessions, 7pm

26 July

Module 1 – Introduction

 

No online session

2 August

4 August

9 August

10 August

16 August

Module 2 – Technology and the sense of touch

 

No online session

23 August

24 August

30 August

31 August

6 September

Module 3 – Technology and the sense of vision

Assessment Task 1 due 6.9.21 (before midnight)

7 September

13 & 20 September

Mid-semester recess

27 September

Module 3 (cont.)

28 September

4 October

Module 4 – Technology and the sense of hearing

 

5 October

11 October

12 October

 18 October

Module 5 – Beyond the classroom

Assessment Task 2 due 25.10.21 (before midnight)

19 October

 25 October

No online session planned at this stage

 1 November

 

No online session planned at this stage

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

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

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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.

5Rs Framework

The 5Rs Framework, developed by the School of Education at Macquarie University, is embedded throughout your teacher education course ( you may want to just refer to course). Your use of the 5Rs Framework will help you develop the capabilities that will make your teaching career ( you may want to just refer to career) sustainable and fulfilling. In this unit, you will learn using the 5Rs framework in the following important ways:

Resilient

Reflexive

Responsive

Ready to learn

Research engaged

Students develop an understanding of the field of sensory impairment and the need for personal resilience when engaging professionally with colleagues, parents and caregivers, and the disability community.

Students are encouraged to critically reflect on their learning in access technology for students with blindness and low vision and to reflect on the knowledge and skills required to promote equitable inclusion in education and society.

Students are responsive to current research and practice in access technology for students with blindness and low vision. Students participate in online discussions and demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness to each other’s perspectives and concerns.

Students take responsibility for learning independently and foster a spirit of collaborative learning with other students.

 

Students engage with relevant research literature and base their practice on evidence.

Students demonstrate critical thinking and academic integrity by seeking to corroborate arguments and information through reference to relevant published literature.


Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook