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Home ― Directory ― Chris Olson

Chris Olson

Chris Olson

Chris Olson

Associate Professor

Department

The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences

Education

Ph.D., BA - Applied Computer Science, Northcentral University, 2013
M.S., Information Systems, Dakota State University, 2004
B.S., Information Systems, Dakota State University, 2001

Biography

Dr. Chris Olson has extensive expertise in accessible web programming and has presented on making electronic documents and web pages accessible at regional and national conferences. His research interests vary and include; digital accessibility barriers, utilization of assistive software technology, universal design concepts, and secure web and mobile programming practices.

Dr. Olson has been a quadriplegic since a motor vehicle accident in 2001. He brings essential first-hand experience in using assistive technology to overcome accessibility barriers. He was appointed to and served on both the South Dakota Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Council and the South Dakota Board of Vocational Rehabilitation. He is also certified in Accessible Information Technology by EASI (Equal Access to Software and Information) via the University of Southern Maine.

Contact

Office Location: Remote
Phone: (605) 256-5838
Email
Website

Digital accessibility barriers

Utilization of assistive software technology

Universal design concepts

Secure web and mobile programming practices

"Collaborative Research: NRT: Cyber-Physical-Social System for Understanding and Thwarting the Illicit Economy" grant funded by the NSF - 2020 

"2020 Vision: The South Dakota Science and Innovation Strategy" grant funded by the NSF. - 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2014 

"Utilizing Voice Recognition Software to Complete an Introduction to Computers College Course" - 2012 

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Quality of Life grant titled "Increasing Access to Post-Secondary On-Line Education". Funded through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - 2012

Blessinger, J., Olson C., Bundy, K. (2021) "Assistive Technology & Document Accessibility: Tips, Tricks, and Compliance". South Dakota Society for Technology in Education (SDSTE) Annual Conference, Madison, SD. 

Blessinger, J., Olson C., Kahl, J. (2017) "The Everyday Value Model for Student Learning Assessment". Association for the Assessment of Learning in Higher Education (AALHE) Annual Conference, Louisville, KY. 

Blessinger, J., Olson C., Kahl, J. (2017) "Student Learning Assessment: Minimal Assembly Required". Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Annual Conference, Chicago, IL. 

Bundy, K., Olson, C., Walters, J., Wang, H. (2013). "Making e-Learning Accessible". Transforming the Teaching & Learning Environment: the PASSHE Virtual Conference. 

Bundy, K., Olson, C., Walters, J., Wang, H. (2012). "Making e-Learning Accessible". WCET Connect Conference, San Antonio, TX. 

Bundy, K., Olson, C., Walters, J., Wang, H. (2010). "Using Technology to Enhance Online Accessibility for Disabled Students".  Collaboration for Learning Conference - Ripples in the Pond: Transforming Higher Education for Today, Brooklyn Park, MN.