Students

SPED8925 – Technology in Blindness/Low Vision

2023 – Session 2, Online-flexible

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Frances Gentle
frances.gentle@mq.edu.au; frances.gentle@nextsense.org.au
Contact via 02 9872 0808
NextSense Institute
Wed - Friday, 9am to 5pm
Master Disability Studies Course Director
Susan Silveira
susan.silveira@mq.edu.au
Contact via 0477202129
NextSense Institute
9.00-5.00 Monday to Friday
Graduate Studies Coordinator
Tanya Kysa
tanya.kysa@nextsense.org.au
Contact via 0484913641
NextSense Institute
9am-4pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Friday
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 blindness/low vision 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 blindness/low vision
  • ULO2: Independently design, develop and critically evaluate a professional learning program that addresses the specific technology requirements of an individual with blindness/low vision
  • ULO3: Effectively communicate information about vision-specific technology to individuals who are blind or have low vision, 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

Academic honesty

  • At all times, students should be aware of and apply the Macquarie University policy on academic honesty (https://policies.mq.edu.au/document/view.php?id=3)
  • Information on the acceptable and permitted use of generative artificial intelligence tools (GAIT) is outlined in the instructions for each unit assessment task

Assessment preparation guidelines

  • All assignments must comply with the NextSense Accessible Style Guide
  • The assignment title page should include the student’s name, student number, unit code, title of the assessment and submitted word count.
  • For assessments completed in MS Word, allow a left and right-hand margin of at least 2cm, using Arial font, paragraph spacing of 0pt before and 6pt after, and line spacing of multiple at 1.2 or 1.3. Please review the paragraph settings for this Word file as an example.
  • All assignments must be presented in an accessible format.
  • Word limits (+/- 10%) should be adhered to.
  • Faculty assignment cover sheets are NOT required.

Assessment submission guidelines

  • It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all assignments are successfully submitted through Turnitin.
  • All assignments must be submitted through Turnitin in an accessible format, e.g., MS Word or PowerPoint – do not submit in PDF format.
  • The Turnitin Similarity Report must also be submitted using the Turnitin submission point at the time of assignment submission.
  • 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 Turnitin Similarity Report. The Turnitin 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.

Application for Special Consideration – extensions

Late submission of assessments

  • Unless a Special Consideration (see: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/assessment-exams/special-consideration) request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of‚ 0 (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11:55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. This late penalty will apply to non-timed sensitive assessment (incl essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc).
  • Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special Consideration application.
  • The Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic.
  • It is not the responsibility of unit staff to contact students who have failed to submit assessments. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the unit convenor when assessments are missed.

Assessment marking

  • Word limits are strictly applied. Work 10% above the word limit will not be marked. Work below the word count may attract a penalty.
  • All assessments are marked using a clear marking scheme or a rubric.
  • Marking of all assessments is moderated by the Unit Convenor.
  • Turnitin plagiarism detection software is used to check all written assessments.

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. For Professional Experience units the PE Report is marked as satisfactory or unsatisfactory and the Teaching Performance Assessment (in final PE units) is marked as not meets, meets or exceeds. 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.

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 contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator Tanya Kysa on 0484913641 or student.enquiries@nextsense.org.au, prior to withdrawing, for advice related to your progression. You can also seek academic advice via https://ask.mq.edu.au before withdrawing 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.

 

Results

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Critical Evaluation 50% No 23/10/23 by 11.55pm
Design of a training module 50% No 4/9/23 by 11.55pm

Critical Evaluation

Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: 23/10/23 by 11.55pm
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 blindness/low vision
  • Effectively communicate information about vision-specific technology to individuals who are blind or have low vision, 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

Design of a training module

Assessment Type 1: Media presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: 4/9/23 by 11.55pm
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 blindness/low vision
  • Independently design, develop and critically evaluate a professional learning program that addresses the specific technology requirements of an individual with blindness/low vision
  • Effectively communicate information about vision-specific technology to individuals who are blind or have low vision, their parents/carers, educators or 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

SPED8925 has a full web presence through iLearn. All requirements for this unit begin Session 2 Week 1, 2023. Students are expected to access the iLearn site and engage with unit materials regularly during session 2.

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 https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/tools-and-resources/ilearn. You will need to enter your student username and password.

Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearn technical help. Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk ph: 02 98504357 and 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

Week Beg

Topic and assessment task due dates

Compulsory online sessions Thursdays 7-8pm (Sydney time)

24 July

 

Module 1 – Introduction

 

No online session Week 1

31 July

3 August

7 August

10 August

14 August

 

Module 2 – Technology and the sense of touch

17 August
 

21 August

24 August

28 August

31 August

4 September

Module 3 – Technology and the sense of vision

7 September

11-22 September 2023 - Mid semester recess

25 September

Module 3 (cont.)

28 September

2 October

Module 4 – Technology and the sense of hearing

5 October

9 October

No online session Week 10

16 October

Module 5 – Beyond the classroom

No online session Week 11

23 October

26 October

30 October

 

No online session

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

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

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

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

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

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.

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.

5 Rs Framework

5 Rs Framework

 

The 5Rs Framework, developed by the School of Education at Macquarie University, is embedded throughout this unit. Your use of the 5Rs Framework will help you develop the capabilities that will make your 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 gain exposure to the disability sector and develop an understanding of the critical role they will play, the need for personal resilience and resilient approaches when supporting people with disability.

Students are encouraged to critically reflect in the context of themselves as a practitioner, their previous and future professional experiences and the engagement they will have with people, organisations and society in general.

The individualised learning content encourages students to be responsive to clients, organisations and critical issues faced in the disability sector.

Students are expected to be responsive to the ideas of peers and provide meaningful and supportive feedback.

 

Students are encouraged to reflect and then identify their own learning needs for their context, to pursue learning that achieves great outcomes for all people they work with now and into the future.

Students take responsibility for learning independently as well as fostering collaborative learning in other students.

 

Students engage with literature and base their practice on evidence. Students practice academic integrity as they learn to explore contemporary and relevant literature.

Unit information based on version 2023.02 of the Handbook