1. Case Studies in Assistive Technology

2. What you need
A folder to keep case study notes

3. What’s it about?
The purpose of this module is to expand the student’s understanding of specific Assistive Technology scenarios by exposing them to a range of case studies.
These case studies will include real world examples of approaches that groups have taken to implement assistive technology solutions.
Other case studies will be based on scenarios which have no a priori solutions to allow the students to create their own approach and compare it with other students.

4. Learning Outcomes
Read about and discuss the relationship between assistive technology and the individual
Examine case studies of assistive technology systems and how they are implemented
Analyse a range of applications of assistive technology

5. Learning Outcomes
Identify issues in computing disciplines and in other disciplines to which accessibility approaches are applicable
Explain the contributions of people, organisational systems and technologies to the field of assistive technology
Summarize and assess social, ethical and legal issues inherent in assistive technology
Develop approaches to tackling accessibility problems

6. Assessment
Continuous assessment will comprise 50% of the marks for this module. An end of module examination will comprise the remaining 50%.

7. Continious Assessment (1/3)
During the module students will be required to keep a Portfolio. This will be devoted to personal and scholarly exploration of the case studies and exercises undertaken. All case studies used should be included in this Portfolio. Students will be expected to record observations about problem solving techniques as applied to knowledge based problems, reflecting on the student’s progress, issues relating to ethics, as well as the applicability of approaches learnt.

8. Continious Assessment (2/3)
Continuous assessment will take the form of exercises and assignments of varying difficulty. The assessments will include several problem solving case studies, using group work and peer-reviewed assessments. In class continuous assessment will consist of timed problem sets to be worked on either individually or in groups. Out of class problem sets will involve more extensive problems to be completed either individually or in groups. Students will also be expected to present work individually or in groups. Where possible and appropriate, contact practical sessions will be used to provide the Student with time and assistance in completing continuous assessment work.

9. Continious Assessment (3/3)
The Student will undertake one larger scale independent task to write a research paper on an appropriate case study describing the relevant context and developing and justifying a knowledge management approach.

10. What is a Case Study?

11. Case Studies?
Case study is “an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context; when the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident; and in which multiple sources of evidence are used”

12. Case Studies?
Case study research excels at bringing us to an understanding of a complex issue or object and can extend experience or add strength to what is already known through previous research. Case studies emphasize detailed contextual analysis of a limited number of events or conditions and their relationships.

13. Case Studies?
Social scientists, in particular, have made wide use of this qualitative research method to examine contemporary real-life situations and provide the basis for the application of ideas and extension of methods.

14. Problems?
Critics of the case study method believe that the study of a small number of cases can offer no grounds for establishing reliability or generality of findings.
Others feel that the intense exposure to study of the case biases the findings.
Some dismiss case study research as useful only as an exploratory tool.

15. Schedule 3rd Feb (Tuesday) Tonight, welcome, etc.
21st Feb (Saturday) Discussion+Case Study
7th Mar (Saturday) Discussion+Case Study
17th Mar (Tuesday) Discussion
18th Apr (Saturday) Discussion+Case Study
11th May (Saturday) Discussion+Case Study
12th May (Tuesday) Discussion