Handicap Accessible Websites

Hi 422 class,

Amundson wrote the article 5 Steps to an Accessible Classroom Website to bring awareness of the diverse group of people who need to access the information from teachers websites. Diverse groups include English-language learners, those with slow Internet connections, and those who use voice output, Braille, keyboards (not mice), and screen magnifier devices. Teachers as Web developers need to consider all users and adaptive tools so that websites “provide information to the intended audience” and are accessible to all learners.

The author persuades me, as a teacher Web developer, through an emotional appeal by asking me to consider my website as if I were a blind or deaf user trying to access the information—thereby, giving me a problem. Not to worry, her persuasive technique then gives me a “how to” solution. The article doesn’t just discuss the possibilities, but makes creating accessible websites accessible to me by breaking down the Web creation and review process into five steps (1. structure, 2. navigation, 3. text format for non-text elements, 4. logical word choices, and 5. validation tools).

I will apply the information from the article to my future website by making sure I use headers to structure my Web pages, set up Tab key navigation (no drop down menus), allow for gray-scale viewing with appropriate background color schemes, provide title and alt tags, descriptive text, descriptions of images, and a link to contact me.

In conclusion, the article suggests that after applying the suggested five steps to create a website, the final test is to try to navigate on my site or ask someone with a disability to see what is possible if there was no sound, no mouse, no images, and/or no color. The last step is to put the website to the test.

The article aligns with NET for student learning 6b. Technology Operations and Concepts, allowing for students to demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations by selecting and using applications effectively and productively.

APA Reference

Amundson, L. (2009, November). 5 Steps to an Accessible Classroom Website. Learning & Leading with Technology, 37 (4). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-november-2009.aspx

Head in the Cloud

Hi Group,

Reading Doug Johnson’s 2009 article for ISTE, “Computing in the Clouds,” made me want to ditch my eight-pound laptop for a lightweight, two to four pound netbook! To think of all the time and money that teachers can save. And, when you consider the possibilities for students, and the positive impact on the school district, the pros definitely outweigh the cons, for me.

I appreciate Johnson’s balanced discussion regarding concerns about file security and privacy issues. Johnson also mentions that, “school districts need to be sure they have a reliable, adequate, and secure wireless infrastructure to support dozens, if not hundreds, of student-owned netbooks?” Cloud computing is possible, but not necessarily right for all users, teachers, students, and districts.

It’s obvious Johnson is a cloud fan. But, what I love about the article, instead of just writing about the cloud, in the section, “Living in the Cloud,” Johnson moved all of his computing tasks to the cloud and summarized how all of the solutions worked for him. He gives concrete examples of using cloud-based word processing, presentations, and spreadsheets. He gives dozens of Web 2.0 tool examples so that anyone could make the transition to cloud computing.

His tone is that he’s a “geezer,” so that veteran teachers will relate to their fear of moving from what they might feel is safe to the unknown. He also relates to any computer user because we’ve all suffered through “worrying about transporting files on flash drives, keeping track of the latest version of a document, or having the right software to open a file.” And, most of us need to “share and collaboratively edit files.”

There is so much practical information in his article. Johnson does a great job balancing the pros and cons. And, I would love to move to the cloud as a teacher. This article helps me know tools as well as issues to consider before I make the leap.

This article meets NETS for students 6. Technology Operations and Concepts. Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. a. Understand and use technology systems; b. Select and use applications effectively and productively; c. Troubleshoot systems and applications; d. Transfer current knowledge to learning; of new technologies.

Thank you,
Dawn

Reference:

Johnson D. (December/January 2009-2010). Computing in the Clouds. ISTE, 4 (37). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Computing_in_the_Clouds.aspx

Yes! Blogging in the Classroom is Worth The Risk

Hi Class, 

Yes, blogging in the classroom is worth the risk. After reading the ISTE posted article, "Point CounterPoint: Is Blogging Worth the Risk?” I agree with the idea of responsibility and instant feedback, “we end up having to take responsibility for our comments, all the better! What better way to illustrate to our students that effective communication requires us to consider the effects our words.”

With blogs, students are on the court. They aren’t just reading about blogs, they’re blogging. Blogging is hands-on. A blog is a digital portfolio for students that applies to their world and their future. And, we can teach them what to do and what not to do, and how to handle it instead of avoiding the risk ourselves. It seems that we’d be irresponsible educators if we didn’t engage in, discuss, and model electronic communication as part of our society.

Yes, it’s worth the risk, even though Ms. Nielsen found that a blog, “places you under examination makes an already difficult job even more difficult and potentially jeopardizes job security.” I feel that Maxlow’s comment works as an effective counterpoint, “It would be better to retain dignity and integrity by finding employment elsewhere than it would be to work in such conditions.” I agree. It’s worth it, regardless of the risk.

This article meets NETS for students 6. Technology Operations and Concepts. Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. a. Understand and use technology systems; b. Select and use applications effectively and productively; c. Troubleshoot systems and applications; d. Transfer current knowledge to learning; of new technologies.

Thank you,
Dawn

Reference:
Maxlow J. and Nielson L. (May 2009). Point/Counterpoint Is Blogging Worth the Risk? ISTE, 7 (36). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Point_Counterpoint_Is_Blogging_Worth_the_Risk.aspx