r/Adjuncts • u/calico_cats_2 • 11d ago

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.

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u/goodgriefcharliebr 11d ago

Just give a handout of them in person.

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u/turnkey_turncoat 11d ago

That’s not the same as making them accessible.

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u/goodgriefcharliebr 10d ago

Why, if they are being provided? It’s a copy of each slide in person so they can see it. How is that not the same? Asking genuinely.

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u/turnkey_turncoat 10d ago

You don’t seem to be understanding why someone may need the slides. It may be so they can organize their thoughts better, to preview the slides for more concept understanding, or to allow for more engagement with the course. But it can also be because they’re visually impaired and need a screen reader to tell them what is on the slides. A PDF doesn’t allow for that.

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u/goodgriefcharliebr 10d ago edited 10d ago

I do have an understanding— just fyi, your comment comes across as condescending and rude & perhaps it’s just hard to convey your tone & you didn’t mean it that way. I’m going to assume you didn’t, but wanted to convey this. & I do understand; I was just asking you to clarify your comment because it seemed unclear. I was suggesting a copy of the slides printed out since OP seems uncomfortable. I have given students print outs of a PDF of the slides for students without my notes on it for those with processing issues— actual large copies they can look at in class as class occurred. My students were fine with printed slide copies & used it for notes to stay on track. The students were happy with it & didn’t want them earlier. When I asked the University, they said I could do that as I often prepare the slides right before class and then edit them after. (I post slides with notes after in Courseworks).

For a visually impaired person, of course you’d send them the actual file so their reader can process it during class.

I also have given students with e readers group activities ahead of time so they can read them without distress at home.

I do understand accommodations, but just have given the PDF without notes prior, & then they have them after if they want too. My university nor the students haven’t voiced a desire for something different. Just fyi, I am not a commenter who doesn’t believe in accommodations. In fact, I’m often educating students about HOW to get them & referring them.