The Inclusion and Special Needs Support Centre at Qatar University (SNSC-QU) has provided students with special needs an integrated plan for distance learning, it was announced yesterday.
The distance learning platforms vary according to the type of disability of the student, according to SNSC-QU head Dr Khaled Khader.
The visually impaired students, have their lecture recorded in audio format and students with hearing disability are provided with written lectures.
The lectures in the ‘Blackboard’ application can be reviewed by the students at the appropriate time.
In order to highlight the efforts of the department, Dr Khader shared his plan to support the students.
The students have access to all kind of electronic support which includes; e-mail, WhatsApp, WebEx and other apps that guarantee more accessibility to students based on their accommodations.
Students must attach their medical documents in e-mail and this will help the faculty prepare lectures and exams according to their health condition and special needs. Books and study materials will be converted into accessible formats and sent out via e-mails.
Students facing problems can directly call (hotline 50880048) or the staff phone numbers between 7.30am and 2.30pm to solve their problems. By using the inclusion and special needs WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms, the students can discuss the challenges they are facing.
To ensure the best methods of conducting accessible lectures through the Collaborated website, the faculty members are providing audio and visual content for the lecture in addition to written files.
The entire faculty is sending lectures link via emails to the students in addition to the ‘Blackboard’. Students can interact with teachers with audio and video facility. Recording option is also available for the students to review the lecture if any important topic is missed. Important points and lecture’s summary will be given in written format to students.
The entire team at Inclusion and Special Needs Support Centre is following important instructions. The team is working remotely from 7:30am-2:30pm to provide support to the students. The e-mails are answered without any delay.
Weekly e-mails are sent to students and faculty to follow the schedule, team meeting are conducted daily through WebEx. Digitally accessible Books and study materials are sent to students through e-mails, and co-ordination are made in order to work on exams.