Signature Certificate in
Modifying Written English Texts for Deaf People
Unit T303: Modifying Written Texts
Signature Accredited course at SCQF 6 equivalent
You will learn:
- The principles behind language modification;
- How to accurately modify complex texts into plain English;
- How to evaluate your success with the deaf client.
How long is the course?
The learning activities for the T303 course take approximately 20 hours. You will also need to find at least two deaf clients who want texts modified so that you can ask for comments on your work. Please allow time to get this feedback from clients.
Before you apply you will need:
- Confidence with IT skills: keyboard skills and file handling;
- To have passed the Signature K318 course, Accessible English for Deaf and Deafblind People;
- A good level of English. Higher English C or above or equivalent;
- Access to deaf or deafblind people who would like texts modified. Usually this means via a school, college or social services setting. You will need to be able to meet with the person who gave out the text and deaf learners or clients to discuss the modification;
- Access to a computer with broadband and a printer.
Who are the other students?
The course has previously been taken by Teachers of Deaf Children and Communication
Support Workers working in schools and colleges. The most successful
modifiers usually have very good levels of English, a wide general knowledge
and excellent IT skills.
- http://www.signature.org.uk/page.php?content=12
- Course Evaluation
What level is the course?
The course is at Level 6 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.
This is Level 3 on the Signature framework which uses
UK Further Education levels.
How does this course fit in with other Signature courses?
Signature have a suite of units designed to train support staff and teachers
working in schools, colleges and in community settings with deaf and
deafblind people. The T303 course is one of the units called Communicating
Through English.
For further information see:
How long does the course last?
For 10 months.
What is the assessment on the course?
The course is assessed by a portfolio of two pieces of language modification
with analysis and commentary on the process, including feedback from deaf clients.
Course work is due in by mid September. There is also an exam, which is a short
piece of modification and a commentary on the process lasting 1.5 hours.
How will I learn online?
We use a virtual learning environment.
There are regular activities to complete each week. Sometimes these are individual tasks which you email to the tutor. You may be asked to discuss an issue on the University VLE chat room or in Skype with another student. Or you may be asked to contribute to a discussion which is available for all other students to see. The first two weeks of the course are an induction period so that you learn how to use the University VLE, post your profile and get to know the other students.
Is the course accessible to deaf people or people with disabilities?
Yes.
All videos or sound files on the University VLE have subtitles or a transcript. The tutorial
activities take place using text, in the University VLE or Skype. All
students have the opportunity to discuss any adjustments which are needed including
to the exam.
Do I need to buy any resources for the course?
We recommend Collins Cobuild Advanced Learners' Dictionary 5th edition £17.99.
This dictionary has information about word frequency which is useful for the
course.
How do I apply?
Please contact us for an application form. We need details of your date of birth and home address for the University VLE and Signature registration. As you have previously studied on a Signature course you will already have a Candidate ID number, which is 8 characters long. Please use the same name as is on your previous Signature certificate. Signature also request information about whether you have a sensory impairment and information on ethnicity, which is optional.
Please fill this form in carefully to avoid delays. Full invoice details are essential. Many local authorities have purchase orders which are needed to raise an invoice. If so, please attach the purchase order or the purchase order number. For statistical purposes the SSC needs to report to the Scottish Government about the background of students coming onto courses. Please give as much information as possible, eg; whether you are from a mainstream school, resource based unit etc and the age range of deaf learners with whom you work. There is also space on the application form to give background information so that the course tutor can plan how to best meet your needs and give you appropriate support throughout the course.
What happens next?
We will send an acknowledgement that we have received your form. You will receive a decision from the course tutor within seven days. We will send you a Student Agreement form to sign and return. When your place is confirmed, an invoice will be raised by the SSC and sent to the person or service nominated on the application form. You will then receive the course handbook and details about how to access the University VLE.