ERIC Number: ED457402
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2001-Oct-15
Pages: 6
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Blindness and Computer Networking at iTEC [Information Technology Education Center].
Goins, Shannon
A new program to train blind and visually impaired individuals to design and run a computer network has been developed. The program offers the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) training. The program, which began in February 2001, recently graduated its first class of students, who are currently completing 1-month internships to complete their 9-month program. A second class began in August 2001, and recruiting for a class scheduled for February 2002 is under way. Beginning with the February 2002 class, the 1-month internship will be extended to 2 months. In the program, visually impaired students study the same curriculum as students without sight impairments. The only difference is that visually impaired students use adaptive software to help them access their computers and custom-designed tactile devices to comprehend network diagraming. Blind students use a program known as JAWS, which reads the screen to the user. Computer-integrated print magnifiers enable students to magnify textbooks and handouts while still looking at their computer screen. Upon completing the course, students are able to perform various skills related to designing and operating a computer network, including installing, configuring, and upgrading various versions of the Windows operating system and creating and managing user accounts. (MN)
Descriptors: Assistive Devices (for Disabled), Certification, Communication Aids (for Disabled), Computer Networks, Computer Science Education, Course Content, Information Technology, Internship Programs, Job Training, Partnerships in Education, Postsecondary Education, Special Education, Special Needs Students, Systems Development, Technical Institutes, Technical Occupations, Visual Impairments
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A