Learning strategy and assistive technology

AccessAbility Services Course on LEARN 

Learn how you can develop and strengthen your skill set through virtual workshops, resources, and demonstration videos.

How to register for our LEARN course

Watch video on YouTube
 

How to navigate our LEARN course

For a more in-depth overview of how to navigate the AccessAbility Services Course on LEARN, view the video below, download the following handout: A Guide to Navigating AccessAbility Services LEARN, or starting in the Fall Term, join us for a LIVE guided virtual tour on the first Monday of every month in the Online Drop-in Centre.

Watch video on YouTube

Academic skill building program

Calling all first-year students registered with AccessAbility Services or students newly registered with our office! You're invited to take part in a 4-week self-guided program designed to promote greater self-awareness for how you learn. You will explore learning strategy supports and resources developed to provide the opportunity for academic success. Check out the Academic Skill Building Program module on our LEARN Course and join us LIVE for the 2-part guided virtual group sessions led by our Learning Strategist the week prior to the start of each term. 

  • Part 1 is a review and in-depth discussion of the Week 1 and 2 Module resources
  • Part 2 is a review and in-depth discussion of the Week 3 and 4 Module resources

Registration is limited to 25 participants/session.

Program Start Dates:

Winter Term 2024:

*Note: Entry for the guided sessions each term will be closed after the start date, but access to the content on LEARN is open to all students.

In this program, you will:

  • Learn how to access the services and supports available through AccessAbility Services
  • Explore best practices for engagement in a blended learning environment
  • Identify strategies to improve focus, productivity and balance your schedule
  • Engage in effective communication with your peers and instructors
  • Use strategies to capture course content, with effect 
  • Explore study strategies and assistive technology that promote active learning
  • Understand the modalities of online and in-person methods of evaluation
  • Develop skills to support goal-setting and personal wellness 

Student Support Drop-in Centre 

All students registered with AccessAbility Services are welcome to attend our online Student Support Drop-in Centre for support with learning strategies and assistive technology. The Student Support Drop-in Centre runs Monday - Friday from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the virtual classroom on our LEARN Course.

How to Access the Online Drop-in Centre

Watch video on YouTube

You can also connect with our Drop-In Centre staff through the "Ask Us" forum on our LEARN course. This is monitored Monday - Friday from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. You can post a question anonymously, by selecting "post as anonymous" at the bottom right of the text box before clicking post.

Our Drop-in Centre staff are available to assist you with:

  • Time management 
  • Notetaking and lecture comprehension skills
  • Reading strategies
  • Test-taking and study strategies
  • Effective use of technology
  • Requesting and managing your accommodations through the online system

Workshops

Mapping Out Your Term:

Mapping Out Your Assignments:

Time Management:

Reading and Notetaking:

Creating a Study Schedule: 

Preparing for Midterms:

Preparing for Final Exams:

Workshop Descriptions

Mapping Out Your Term

Get your term started with success by learning how to be proactive and engage in long-range planning for the current term and beyond. In this workshop you will:

  • Learn how to navigate LEARN
  • Review your course syllabi and extract important information
  • Create a detailed master schedule and to-do list
  • Chart personal and academic goals

Mapping Out Your Assignment

Are you having difficulty managing multiple assignments? Are you looking for strategies to balance your schedule and get back on track? In this workshop you will:

  • Explore present-focused self-care strategies
  • Develop strategies to support focus and efficiency
  • Learn how to break down and manage tasks with positive effect
  • Use backward planning, monthly and weekly planning
  • Map out your term from reading week until the end of the term
 

Time Management

Feeling stressed about how many assignments, tests, labs, presentations and personal commitments you have to deal with today, this week, this term? In this workshop you will:

  • Learn how to be more organized and efficient
  • Create SMART goals to help you with decision-making
  • Use strategies to keep you focused and on track
  • Discover productivity and time management apps

Reading & Note Taking

Effective reading and notetaking can play a key role in your academic success. Discover how to stay focused and adapt your reading and notetaking strategies to your learning environment. In this workshop you will: 

  • Develop skills for active learning and engagement
  • Use strategies to read with focus and efficiency
  • Learn how to implement effective notetaking strategies
 

Studying & Test-Taking Strategies

Are unsure about how to prepare for or what to expect during a test or exam? Would you like to build your confidence and resilience while studying and test-taking? In this workshop you will: 

  • Discover high yield study strategies that can support your learning style  

  • Learn how to adapt your lifestyle choices to promote positive study habits  

  • Promote your well-being and manage test-based anxiety with positive effect.

  • Review systematic approaches to a variety of test question types 

Blending Learning

As a student, navigating a blended learning environment can be challenging. In this workshop, you will improve your skillset so that you can become a more successful and self-directed learner.

  • Discover how to navigate online learning platforms
  • Engage in effective communication with your peers and instructors
  • Identify strategies to help you balance your schedule
  • Use strategies to capture course content, with effect
  • Interact and collaborate with your peers through class participation
  • Explore study strategies and assistive technology that promote active learning
  • Understand the modalities of online and in-person methods of evaluation
  • Develop skills to support goal-setting and personal wellness
 

    Preparing for Midterms

    Looking to explore practical study skills and test-taking strategies designed to encourage preparedness for the completion of mid-terms? In this workshop you will:  

    • Learn how to create a detailed study schedule and to-do list  
    • Discover high yield study strategies that can support your learning style    
    • Learn how to adapt your lifestyle choices to promote positive study habits   
    • Promote your well-being and manage test-based anxiety with positive effect  
    • Review systematic approaches to a variety of test question types  

    Preparing for Final Exams

    Looking to explore practical study skills and test-taking strategies designed to encourage preparedness for the completion of final exams? In this workshop you will:  

    • Learn how to create a detailed study schedule and to-do list  
    • Discover high yield study strategies that can support your learning style    
    • Learn how to adapt your lifestyle choices to promote positive study habits   
    • Promote your well-being and manage test-based anxiety with positive effect  
    • Review systematic approaches to a variety of test question types  
     

    Adaptive Equipment Loan Program 

    The following adaptive equipment is available for students to sign-out on a daily, weekly or term basis.  It is loaned on a first come, first serve basis.  For information about the equipment available for loan, contact your Accommodation Consultant.

    • Digital recorders
    • FM Listening Systems (both systems have over the ear headsets)
    • Visual Alert System
    • Light therapy lamps
    • Livescribe Pens
    • Software license for Kurzweil 3000
    • Limited licenses of Audio Notetaker
    • Use of laptop in class
    • Portable CCTV