This is an interesting exercise because as a student without typical special needs, I haven't really thought about it a lot. The biggest thing that I see that CSU Global could do differently is to add more meaningful alternatives. As I review the content in a number of my courses, the video segments embedded into modules don't appear to have captions or text available for blind students.
I found within the Student Services tab opportunities for support for students with special needs. Since, I've never needed this support, I didn't know it was available. My big question is: Do special needs students know where to find things? It would be great if more announcements and communication could appear on a regular basis, pointing students to various types of support or give them reminders of class end dates etc. My biggest problem with the classes here, is that connection and communication is determined by the professor and if the class/professor doesn't communicate a lot, then students feel isolated.
I'm also wondering if CSUGlobal has had special needs students review the course and navigation. It seems that would be an easy solution to find out if these students have additonal issues.
I think repetition is the key to making students regardless of being special needs or not, aware of the services available. My company is having similar issues right now as well. Marketing Managers often give instructions to reps to send out emails with flyers etc., but don't provide the link to the flyers on our internal site. Just a quick like attached would ensure that more reps used the materials.
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Great ideas Danna! What a great idea to have studnets w/ actual needs do a pilot. So simple, but something that can be overlooked. Your point about communication is also well taken and this can really support students in a meaningful way.
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