Graduate Thesis

This is a summarization of an in-depth thesis completed in partial fulfillment of the Master of Science Degree in Media Arts and Technology at the Rochester Institute of Technology. A full write-up of this research is linked at the bottom of this page.

Year

2021

Organization

Rochester Institute of Technology

Project Type

Research / New Technology

Role

Researcher

A mockup of the graduate capstone poster

Abstract

Thesis Overview

The most successful way to create an optimal and inclusive online learning experience for deaf and hard of hearing users is not yet known. There are many online telecommunication tools available for educational use, but their hearing accessibility offerings are often insufficient. This project aims to offer solutions to this widely faced issue. The main research component of this project is the collection of data from a survey aimed towards deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing RIT students and faculty, as well as note takers, captionists, and interpreters employed through RIT.

Research Question

Which communication method, or methods, will most successfully ensure accessibility for deaf and hard of hearing college students through online telecommunication platforms?

My Role/Responsibilities

Researcher
Writer
Designer

Background

Context & relevance

Following the COVID-19 outbreak in March 2020, the switch to online education has been difficult for many; new technology requires time to learn. Deaf and hard of hearing users have experienced additional hardships during the transition. While most online communication tools offer some accessibility options, they are often limited and cumbersome to use. It is critical to note that every person communicates differently. Not all deaf individuals use sign language and therefore choose to lipread or use captions, while others prefer sign language interpreters. Telecommunication tools that don’t offer a wide variety of hearing accessibility options may prevent certain deaf and hard of hearing people from using the platforms for educational purposes.

Methodology

Qualtrics Survey & Analysis

Following initial literary research, I conducted a survey aimed at the target audience of Deaf / Hard-of-hearing students and teachers. I also opened the survey to interpreters, notetakers, and captionists. The survey garnered 114 total participants.

Major steps taken

01

Initial research & literature review

02

Conducting survey

03

Analyzing survey results

04

Concluding statement

Initial Research
Key Considerations
  • Availability of Telecommunications Relay Services
  • Captioning
  • Internet Protocol (IP) Relay Service
  • Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)
  • Hearing Accessibility Guidelines for Web Services
Survey Results

Concluding Statement

Improve quality instead of increasing quantity

The data suggests an overall contentment with the amount of accessibility options that are currently offered by online telecommunication platforms. However, there is still room for improving their capabilities and proficiencies. Many survey responses mentioned a need for certain functionalities, such as the ability to pin interpreters to the interface for optimal viewing. Other suggestions included captioning improvements, such as auto-save functionalities, the ability to make corrections, and increased character capabilities like italicization and subscript/superscript. The most preferred hearing-accessible methods of online communication were interpreting and live captioning, with many participants selecting multiple responses. This suggests the importance for online communication tools to offer multiple hearing accessibility options.

Final Poster

Final Thoughts

Fuel for future projects

Although this thesis was a requirement for graduation, I was thoroughly invested in it and continue to be after graduating. I would like to use my findings to continue designing for all users.

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