Recently I ran across an article in the August 7, Huffington Post by Sean Devine, CEO of CourseSmart, the world’s largest provider of eTextbooks and digital course materials.
Writing about the truly digital age that today’s students live in Devine has this to say
“Many colleges and universities are trying to capitalize on students’ technological prowess, introducing a variety of device integrations and technology adoptions on their campus. Technology allows for a level of interaction and customization not previously possible and can substantially lower costs for students. Unfortunately, not all students are treated equally in the digital era. Students with print-related disabilities are often ignored and stuck using archaic learning resources strictly because many in the higher education ecosystem have blatantly neglected this student population.”
As CEO of CourseSmart, Devine is not exactly a disinterested party about e-books but he is correct in asserting that it is the responsibility of every player in the higher education environment — from administrators, faculty, to technology providers — to make sure that all students, including those with visual impairments, can benefit from today’s technology and receive the best education available.
To read the full article, visit the permalink: A Call for Accessible Technology in Higher Education