What is Distance Learning?

Very simply, distance learning is a means by which educational establishments set up “Virtual Classrooms” on the Internet in order to reach students that would otherwise be unable to participate in the educational opportunities offered by these establishments.

In the very recent past, distance learning was a goal thought by most to be impractical, or even impossible.  However, most universities today offer some type of distance educational program.

In some cases, one can earn Bachelor’s, Master’s and even Doctorate degrees and never set foot upon college soil.

As with most things, special considerations must be taken into account when attempting to offer distance learning courses to disabled persons. 

Existing distance learning programs generally rely on proprietary applications to enable students to interact with staff, and these applications tend to be unusable to persons using adaptive technology.

Always on the cutting edge of adaptive technology for the disabled, ATC technicians have worked with software developers to bring our clients an accessible distance learning solution.

Our interactive application enables instructors to speak directly to students, and for those students to ask and answer questions in real-time voice.

Additionally, this program supports file transfer, which instructors can use to share handouts with students, and students can use to submit tests, and other materials.

Another feature available to our distance learners is collaborative browsing.  This tool is invaluable for students enrolled in our web design courses, or for beginners just learning to surf the Internet.

Best of all, each of these features is compatible with the major adaptive technologies on the market today.

ATC Distance Learning Program offers individual and group training in both adaptive and mainstream applications, including:

• JAWS

•  Window-Eyes

• System Access

• Open Book

•  Kurzweil

•  Zoomtext

• Dragon

• Duxbury

• Windows (all versions)

•  Internet & e-mail

• Microsoft Word

• Excel

• Power Point

• Website Design

In order to participate in the distance learning programs, you will need an Internet-connected computer with a soundcard, speakers (or headphones), and a microphone.

Students enrolled in distance learning programs attend class, take tests, and conduct research on their own computers, from the comfort of their own homes. 

This means that people who are local no longer have to worry about the weather, or coordinating transportation.  Additionally, people everywhere can take advantage of the course offerings available at ATC.

All Distance Learning classes are held in our Online Conference Center. Click here to enter the Conference Area.
 

ATC
5330 Power Inn Rd
Suite F
Sacramento, CA 95820
Toll Free Phone or Fax:  888-723-5011
Phone:  916-381-5011     Fax:  916-914-2429