The Screen Reader Curriculum
The Screen Reader Curriculum is a series of courses used to walk learners through the use of screen readers like NVDA, JAWS and Chromevox. In Part 2, we get your learner on the Internet using our 3 Methods of Basic Internet Navigation. In this Instructor's Edition, we aim to give visual impairments professionals (TSVI's VRT's O&M's and CATIS) a guide to teaching and learning this difficult content. We believe that computer literacy is just as important as braille literacy, and now you have a way to teach it.
What You Will Learn
- turn on and off the screen reader (1.1).
- utilize modifier keys such as ctrl, alt and shift to enter a modified key command. eg: Ctrl + Left Arrow (1.2)
- access documents, open and close programs, and will be able to navigate easily to the desktop (1.5).
- switch program focus (1.6).
- define common element types on the internet such as Headings, Buttons, Links, Tables as well as text (3.1).
- identify each element by type (3.2).
- navigate to the address bar (3.3).
- Use the “Tab” key to navigate to the next clickable object (Shift Tab for previous) (3.4)
- navigate by “Quick Keys” (h for heading, b for button, v, and u for link) (3.5)
- use Elements Lists on a website to navigate by element type (3.6)
All objectives here are taken from the Screen Reader Skills Progression. For more information on how to use these standards see our FREE mini course, Introduction to Screen Reader Instruction.
What's Included in the Instructor Edition?
You will receive:
- 40+ instructional videos each no more than 10 minutes long on how to use screen readers like JAWS, NVDA and Chromevox.
- 20+ videos on teaching screen readers
- Lesson Plans
- Lesson Plan Template
- Pretest and Post Test
- Quizzes
- Practice Problems
- Mock Websites
- 4 Self Calculating Data Sheets
- Fun Practice Activities such as Vocab Game Show and Navigation Candy Land.
- Discussion areas
- Free Technical Support
- Connect to your teacher's Instructor Edition
How Does it Work?
Step 1:
Watch the Videos
We show you and your learner step by step how to use JAWS, NVDA or Chromevox. Using our 3 Methods of Basic Internet Navigation, and with each video under 10 minutes, you won't believe how easy using a screen reader can be.
Step 2:
Teach Your Learner
With activities like Google Search Challenge, Navigation Candy Land, and Vocab Gameshow, never again will your direct service be a boring list of key commands. Don't even worry about creating the materials. They are all included.
Step 3:
Take Data and Repeat
Have you ever shown up to a team meeting with all of your data graphed out? Well, use our self-calculating data sheets, and that can be a reality. Using 4 different data sheets, the curriculum gives you all of the tools you need to easily collect really meaningful data.
The Curriculum
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this edition for?
The Instructor's Edition of this curriculum is for Assistive Technology and Vision Professionals tasked with teaching someone with a visual impairment how to use a screen reader like NVDA, JAWS or Chromevox.
What is the difference between the student and instructor editions?
The student edition of this curriculum has all of the content they need to learn to use a screen reader independently including instructional videos, practice activities, quizzes and a pre and post test.
Just like the instructor edition of a textbook, the instructor edition of this curriculum has everything the student edition has in addition to:
- 20 additional videos on TEACHING screen readers.
- Lesson Plans for each module.
- Fun Practice Activities such as Google Search Challenge, Vocab Gameshow and Navigation Candy Land
- 4 Data Self Calculating Data Sheets to track screen reader progress.
Which screen reader does this curriculum cover?
Guess what? Many common screen readers are more alike than you think. In fact, the most common screen readers, JAWS, NVDA and Chromevox utilize the exact same command structure, so why not teach all of them? In each module, we introduce a concept and then provide a in-depth discussions of how the concept applies to JAWS, NVDA and Chromevox.
Do I HAVE to learn all three screen readers?
Yes, feel free to take it slow. Learn one at a time if you need to, but YES! In order to complete this course, you need to learn JAWS, NVDA, and Chromevox. Why? Because it's important to have more than one tool in that toolbox, and once you start learning, you will see how similar they are!
What will my student learn using this curriculum?
In this curriculum your student will learn how to navigate the internet using a screen reader. Using our 3 method system, we not only teach you the key commands, we teach you WHY certain key commands are the way they are and WHEN to use one method over another.
Can I just purchase the student edition for my student?
Absolutely, that is why the student and instructor editions are sold separately. However, with a linked instructor edition, you'll get:
- Access to all the student materials with your own account.
- Email notifications with test and quiz scores.
- Lesson plans and data sheets.
- 20+ Instructional videos that review teaching techniques for screen reader instruction.
There is no replacement for instruction from an actual teacher, and your investment can make all the difference in getting your learner engaged in this really important content.
How is this training delivered?
This is an asynchronous curriculum. That means you will have all of the information you need at your fingertips when you need it. Now that doesn't mean you'll have to sit through hours of boring videos. Each video shows 1 concept only and is less than 10 minutes. That way, you can watch a video during your lunch, during your planning period... or whenever.
How long will I have to complete this course.
You can have as much time as you need. You'll have access to this course forever... that means if you need to teach a student to use a screen reader again, in 2, 5 or 10 years, you'll have this curriculum to use.
How much does the curriculum cost?
The instructor edition of this curriculum costs $199 per instructor.
The student edition costs $99 per student.
Will CEU's be offered with this course?
At this time, we are not offering continuing education credits, however this is an option we are considering for the future.
Can I get an official estimate?
Absolutely! To get an official estimate, fill out our Official Estimate Request Form
What forms of payment do you take?
We take all major credit cards as well as purchase orders. Credit card holders will be able to pay online through our learning portal. If you are paying via purchase order or purchasing multiple seats, please fill out our Invoice and Estimate Request Form and send purchase orders to [email protected].