Accessibility
The educational technology topic/issue that I chose for my final project is accessibility. I chose this topic/issue because it is the one that seemed the most interesting to me, and one that won't be as hard to find good information on. With accessibility it is one that we have briefly discussed in my previous education classes as well, so that should also help to make it simpler to write about. This topic interests me because finding further information about it-other than what I already have in mind-will help me as a future teacher with helping students gain access to different technology needed, as well as using them in meaningful ways. My prior knowledge of accessibility is slim. I do know that it is very difficult for teachers to ensure that all of their students have the same access to technology because of the way our economy is and how many students come from a lot of different backgrounds. I also know that when students do gain access to technology in the classroom it is very important that what they are doing is important and meaningful and will help further their knowledge of the subject they are working on. What I hope to learn from this process is ways that I can use this information to further my understanding of it and apply it to my future teaching style. By acquiring a deeper knowledge of accessibility it could benefit me in the future by using what I learn and applying it to real life, and helping to use ideas I find of meaningful ways to use technology in the classroom in my own classroom someday.
I agree with your comment about finding information on the topic of accessibility and that helping your future career as a teacher. This is also a reason as to why I chose the same topic. I think it is important to present students with meaningful ways to use technology. You also mentioned that it is very difficult to ensure students have equal access to technology and this is the point that concerns me most about using technology in the classroom. I am a huge supporter of using technology in the classroom and exposing children to its benefits at an early age. My primary concern is that providing equal access to this technology will be extremely difficult. For example it would be impossible to teach the same skills to low income students who attend poorly funded schools compared to their counterparts who attend middle and upper class schools. It is important that we be careful as to not further the divide between lower and upper classes. After all, education is suppose to be the great equalizer.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you can find a way to incorporate your past studies on the issue of access with your current research efforts. The idea of accessible education extends far beyond the use of technology...are there parallels between these issues that warrant study/investigation?
ReplyDeleteSide note - the font you have chosen for your post content is VERY difficult to read. Please change the font face to something a little less "stylized."
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