TEACHERS' DEN - The Unexpected Benefits of Virtual Learning

The Unexpected Benefits of Virtual Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly shifted the approach to education. While there have been numerous downsides that students have experienced over the last year, there have been a great deal of benefits that have emerged. While not all of these benefits apply to every virtual education setting, opportunities for enhanced accessibility, inclusivity and overall universal design for learning continue to be on the rise.

• Virtual education means no face coverings to create visual or auditory barriers to access.
• While using a device, students have improved visual access to whoever is speaking—teachers or students. Students can see all peers on screen and view speaking peers in a larger window.
• Video conference platforms have embedded additional accessibility features by offering auto-subtitles and captioning. Teachers have increased the usage of closed captioning on videos.
• Students can directly connect hearing assistive technology to devices and have enhanced access to teachers and students without having to pass around a microphone to each speaker.
• Students have an increased ability to control background noise and visual environment. Students are afforded flexible seating options in remote settings.
• Students are quickly and easily able to ask their teachers questions or for clarification.
• Students have been able to remotely participate and receive services from non-local programs that specialize in deaf education.
• Teacher notes and recorded sessions are digitally available to pause, rewind and view/review multiple times to aid in comprehension. Assignments are posted and available virtually.
• There has been an increase in access to qualified interpreters since location is not a barrier.  Students are able to see an interpreter and the educational content in the same visual field. There is also an ease in securing substitute interpreters in the virtual space.
• There are increased opportunities for direct instruction from the teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing—professionals can virtually attend meetings without having to plan for transition time between classrooms or buildings.
• Parent participation in IEP meetings has increased as parents are able to attend on lunch breaks rather than having to take time off of work to travel and attend.
• The use of technology and advanced features sharpens digital, technical, and typing skills.
• Teachers have reported that interactive virtual lessons have increased focus and self-discipline.

Tacklin' Assessment - Vestibular Loss and Learning

 

 Vestibular Loss and Learning

Sources: 

1.    Lacroix E, Edwards MG, De Volder A, et al. Neuropsychological profiles of children with vestibular loss. Journal of vestibular research: equilibrium & orientation. 2020;30(1):25-33.

2.       Braswell J, Rine RM. Evidence that vestibular hypofunction affects reading acuity in children. International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology. 2006;70(11):1957-65.

 

 

Brain Builders Corner - Early Intervention

Navigating Transitions

One of the areas of service we provide through our network of specialized early intervention providers is oversight for families during the transition process—from Part C (First Steps) to Part B (school). Yet our experience with these transitions did not prepare us for the unexpected transitions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. State mandates, including quarantine and social distancing, 

meant transitioning to virtual services overnight in order to provide continuity of services for some of our most vulnerable citizens: infants & toddlers. Now, 16 months after implementing teleservices, we have been able to clearly see benefits of virtual services, ensuring more equitable services statewide. 

We are now offering a hybrid approach to services within our CDHHE network. This model consists of one in-person visit per three virtual visits. Feedback from providers and families about how best to integrate virtual services long-term has helped shape this new model. For more information about the coaching model adopted in Indiana and resources check out the Family Guided Routines Based Intervention website.

Among all of these changes, we continue to support families as their children transition out of First Steps on to the next part of their journey in school. We updated our family transition resource: Navigating Transitions for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children in Indiana to include links to our IDEAL documents. This navigating transition resource identifies how to utilize the IDEAL initiative, among other valuable resources as families go through the transition from First Steps family-centered services to school-based    services at age three.

We can think of this transition from early intervention to school services as part of a relay race in a track meet. The relay starts when hearing is found to be a potential barrier through the universal newborn hearing screening and identification process. The baton is carried through the First Steps system until the child reaches age three. In relay races, there is a section on the track when the next runner is poised to receive the baton and the first runner has to carefully and precisely pass it on without dropping it to the next runner. This is similar to transition—when the child’s services are passed from early intervention system to the school system. It is important that care is taken to not drop the baton—that both systems are poised and ready for this exchange. The center is supporting families in the process to ensure they are knowledgeable and confident as this transition occurs.

 

 

Language and Literacy Corner: The Art of Narrating your Day

 

Sound Advice from Audiology - Tips and Tricks

 

Tip #1: Know your IP Rating

Like your smartphone or laptop, hearing aids must be kept dry. Curious how protected your hearing aids are? Check your IP rating in your user manual before you head to the beach. Every hearing aid has an IP rating with two digits. The first number represents protection from dust, sand and debris (1-6). The second number represents protection from water, sweat and moisture (1-8). A higher IP rating indicates better protection. Even a hearing aid with the highest IP rating (68) is not indestructible and requires extra care over the summer.

Tip #2: Pick your perfect dryer ...and use it!

Hearing technology is water resistant, not water proof. Moisture (water, sweat, etc.) is harmful to cochlear implants and hearing aids. Summer is an important time to check your supply and ensure your drying kit is ready for use. Drying cases come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some drying cases use disposable desiccant beads. Other drying cases are electric and circulate air around the hearing aids or use a UV light to kill bacteria. If you have significant difficulty fighting moisture or live in a humid climate, consider investing in an electronic dehumidifier. 

Tip #3: Daily Checks - is it functioning?

Daily checks are especially important in the summertime. Devices may still power on even if they have water damage. Simply turning hearing aids on does not guarantee a clear signal. Visually inspect the hearing aids and use your listening stethoset to check for signs of moisture every day. Listen for static, indicating the device requires a repair. Wipe the hearing aid with a cloth after each use. Check the earmold tubing for condensation.  Use the tubing blower to dry any moisture. Open the battery door and look for corrosion. Clean the battery contacts and leave the battery door open overnight.

Tip #4: Utilize Water Accessories ...if available

Hearing aids and cochlear implants are not waterproof. However, special accessories are available for additional protection. Ear Gear is a spandex sleeve designed to absorb sweat, water, rain, and debris for an extra level of protection. Even with accessories, hearing aids cannot be worn while swimming.  Water-wear can be added to a cochlear implant, making the device completely waterproof and functional, even while swimming. Each accessory is device-specific. Contact your managing audiologist to select the appropriate accessory for you!