How The LightBoard Depot Inc. is making education accessible at Durham Deaf Services
New technology is changing how we learn in a remote world.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, technology has become a pivotal force in reshaping the way we learn and teach. The LightBoard Depot Inc. stands at the forefront of this transformation, reshaping education to be more accessible, engaging, and inclusive, particularly for organizations like Durham Deaf Services.
In the midst of a seismic shift towards remote learning, educators are grappling with a host of new challenges. The move from traditional classrooms to virtual spaces has often meant compromising engagement and interaction for efficient learning. The LightBoard Depot Inc. is dismantling these barriers by equipping educators with tools that replicate the traditional classroom experience within a virtual environment.
Durham Deaf Services, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Deaf, Deafened, and Hard of Hearing Community, has been a trailblazer in advocating for inclusivity in education. In a strategic partnership with The LightBoard Depot Inc., they are pioneering a revolution in the way workshops and learning experiences are delivered to the Deaf community.
Deaf individuals often possess a heightened visual aptitude due to their reliance on sign language. Traditional classroom methods, reliant on whiteboards, often fall short in meeting their unique learning needs. The LightBoard Depot Inc. steps in as a solution by offering an innovative and visually appealing alternative. The illuminated glass surface serves as a canvas for educators to write, draw, and explain concepts while maintaining direct eye contact with the camera. This approach ensures that both the instructor and the content remain in view, resulting in enhanced engagement and comprehension.
Stefanie Gibbons, Literacy Coordinator for the Deaf Adult Upgrading Program at Durham Deaf Services, sheds light on this aspect during a YouTube presentation for scores of viewers. “Since deaf people tend to be more visual, the classroom needs to provide that by showing images or videos to support their learning,” Gibbons explained. “Once we’re done showing the example, we can discuss the concept on the Lightboard.”
The LightBoard Depot Inc. goes beyond static presentations, integrating diverse digital content through applications like OBS Studio software. This allows instructors to effortlessly transition between materials, showcasing websites, videos, and other interactive elements. This dynamic tool empowers educators to tailor their teaching approach and resources, resulting in a dynamic and enriched learning experience.
The impact of The LightBoard Depot Inc. at Durham Deaf Services has been transformative. Instructors can seamlessly provide lessons in both American Sign Language and English, breaking down language barriers and ensuring comprehensive understanding. The barrier-free nature of the lightboard enables educators to teach as they would in a physical classroom, fostering a sense of connection and engagement that conventional online tools often lack.
Gibbons further emphasized the significance of this technology, stating, “So, if you have a deaf adult program, or deaf students, or are even just considering online teaching, Durham Deaf Services recommends using the Lightboard.”