Tips for Using Accommodations During Online Learning

Alternative Textbooks (electronic book files)

Audio Recording Options for Live Virtual Lectures

If your online instructors conduct live sessions (such as Zoom lectures), you may utilize audio recording accommodations. Consider the following options to capture lecture material:

• External Recording Devices: Use a standard digital voice recorder to capture audio directly from your computer speakers.
• Instructor Recordings: Ask your instructor to record the live session and email the completed file to you after class.
• Genio Notes Software: Utilize this specialized note-taking and recording software during live sessions. If this is part of your approved accommodations, Northern Essex Community College will provide a software license.

Utilizing Break Accommodation Online

Email your instructor at the start of the term to discuss how breaks can best be managed in their specific online course format.
During live Zoom classes, you can use the private chat feature to notify your professor when you need to step away.

Extended Time for Online Testing

Faculty are responsible for setting up and applying all extended time accommodations for online exams within Brightspace.

Please note that extended testing time applies directly to when the test is opened and the timer starts. 

If you require to test in-person, the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services remains available to proctor your accommodated online tests by appointment.

Note-Taking

A peer note-taker is not typically provided for students enrolled in online courses. Instead, you are encouraged to email your instructor to request copies of the lecture notes or PowerPoint presentations used during the online sessions.

Alternatively, you may utilize Genio Notes, a specialized assistive application that allows you to record live virtual lectures, take notes simultaneously, and upload presentation slides. Genio Notes also generates an automated transcript of the audio recording. Northern Essex Community College will provide a software license if this is part of your approved accommodations.

Reduced Distractions

During remote testing, certain accommodations, including a “reduced distraction environment”, are not administered by the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services, as the student test-taker controls their own physical surroundings. If you require quiet conditions to concentrate during an exam, please evaluate the noise and distraction levels of your chosen testing location before beginning. To help mitigate unexpected sounds, we strongly recommend wearing headphones or earplugs to effectively block out environmental noise.

The Center for Accessibility Resources & Services is available to proctor accommodated tests by appointment.

Screen Readers

Students utilizing screen reader software such as JAWS, NVDA, or VoiceOver, should communicate with their instructors to remind them of the specific technology being used and discuss which digital formats work best with that software.

Additionally, both Zoom and Brightspace have built-in accessibility settings that can be adjusted to help online lectures and course materials run more smoothly.

Text-to-Speech (TTS)

Text-to-speech technology enables your computer, tablet, or phone to read onscreen text aloud, providing a valuable tool for reviewing online course materials. Multiple free software programs and applications are available for student use. Among the most popular options is NaturalReader, which offers a free version that can be used directly online or downloaded to your personal device.

Questions about Online Accommodations

Please contact the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services by emailing centerforaccess@necc.mass.edu or calling our office directly at 978-556-3654.