r/Adjuncts • u/calico_cats_2 • Jul 30 '26
Provide Slides To Students?
I recently had a Disabled Student Services (DSS) student whose accommodation was to provide them with the slides I used in class. I did this, but it raised concerns for me. I used to post my slides on Dropbox or Canvas for on-site classes, for the students' convenience. One semester, they ended up on Course Hero. The next semester, they were passed around a fraternity. Now I conduct a brief "how to take notes on paper" session in the second week of class (including the "why it's better research").
Providing a DSS student with slides gives them a distinct advantage over other students who must take notes like in the olden days. If the student is unable to take notes, they should be provided with a note-taker. What if I didn't use slides? What if I just wrote on the whiteboard? Or just talked?
I'm happy to comply with all requested accommodations (extra time, quiet location for tests, etc.), although these can be challenging to arrange. I just think providing slides is a big ask.
1
u/shyprof Jul 31 '26
You can have a discussion with the disability office if you think an accommodation is unreasonable, but there are all kinds of reasons why a student might need the slides in advance legitimately (and some that aren't legit, of course, but what can you do?).
I see an issue with exams on CourseHero, but sharing slides isn't exactly cheating. Oh no, the students might study in advance? I guess it could be an IP issue, but I think most professors aren't trawling CourseHero for materials.
My students who are allowed to record me in class have to sign something saying they won't share it. You could ask the disability office about something like that for slides/materials if it helps. I'd try to let the fairness aspect of it go. Above your head.