Candace West

ETEC 424

March 28, 2019

ADA, OL, & Section 508

Online instruction is a very convenient way to attend classes without actually having to

attend them. This allows those with a busy schedule to be able to incorporate classes into their

schedule. When taking online classes, you will need to be able to provide a few things such as

internet, a computer or laptop, and time management. Online classes are strictly that so you are

doing the work on your own time. The professor will not be there to remind you daily of the

tasks you need to complete. Time manage plays a key role in online classes. Another great thing

about online classes though is travel. You are able to conveniently complete your work from the

inside of your home, office, or maybe coffee shop. That plays a huge role. For some online

classes are easier but for other they tend to be a bit more difficult. Educators play a huge role in

online instruction. They have to be able to provide accurate instruction and feedback for their

students. In the article, Six Key Components of Effective Online Instruction, they profess that

like our students, we can use quality online instruction to advance our educational goals. This is

a great outlook for professors to have.

Online instruction also plays a huge role in students with disabilities. The Americans with

Disability Act (ADA) of 1990, Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, states that all

individual should have equal accessibility -- including online instructional opportunities. ADA

requires that all online courses be fully compliant from the start of the course, which can be

challenging (Inside Higher Ed.) Although this may sound easy the professor is going to have to
take the time to incorporate the right measures. This is what I love about online learning though.

It can be feasible for anyone.

In 1998, Congress amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to require Federal agencies to

make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities (IT

Accessibility Laws and Policies.) This is important for everyone to have an equal opportunity to

excel at their job. Technology is rapidly growing and we are continuing to make advances that

will help those with disabilities feel normal and able to do their job to the best of their abilities.

Section 508 protects those with disabilities so that they are able to do their job and not be held

back.

I am so appreciative of all the technology advances that we have today. Not only that, but

the protection that is in place to make sure that everyone is treated fairly. Online plays a huge

role in today’s instruction not only in education but also in the workforce.
References

Six Key Components of Effective Online Instruction. (2017, January 14). Retrieved March 28,

2019, from https://www.gettingsmart.com/2017/01/six-key-components-effective-online-

instruction/

Inside Higher Ed. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2019, from

https://www.insidehighered.com/digital-learning/views/2017/05/03/tips-designing-ada-

compliant-online-courses

IT Accessibility Laws and Policies. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2019, from

https://www.section508.gov/manage/laws-and-policies