The article, "AIM for Digital Equality" by Garyl Bowser and Joy Smiley Zabala approaches equality in the classroom in a different aspect than what I had previously thought about. Having spent 4 semester in American Sign Language classrooms at community college, I have studied and learned different methods of inclusion for those that are hearing-impaired. Accompany that with the time I have spent in different special education classrooms, I have seen and used various tools like screen readers and alternative communication devices like the DynaVox (I have to be honest, I did not know the name of the device and had to look it up). Having had seen these tools utilized in classrooms before I was aware of the existence and need to implement such methods of equality inside and out of the classroom; it was extremely useful to learn of organizations like AIM Center (National Center on Accessible Instructional Materials) and the NIMAC (National Instructional Materials Access Center).
As technology grows and matures along with our society, it is paramount that we continue to provide equal and accessible materials to all students. Having had spent time working for San Diego Unified's special education program, and also by observing different integrated classrooms, I have seen the importance of digital equality; be it from screen readers, to alternative mouses for those who are physically handicapped, I intend make my classroom accessible for all.
I am glad that you are fully aware of the importance of accessibility in the classroom. Before reading this article I had not put much thought into websites and online assignments being fully accessible but more so just how to create an inclusive environment. I enjoyed reading about the different tools you were exposed to while working and observing in different schools. I too would love to be able to use any and everything possible to make my students learning outcomes stronger. The only challenge is attaining the proper materials. I know that not everything I need will be provided so it is encouraging to know that there are ways around this dilemma by creating my own materials or discovering new ways to teach a lesson so all students are able to understand it.
ReplyDeleteHi Bryan,
ReplyDeleteI think that is really neat that you have spent a fair bit of your time in ASL classrooms and have learned the language. This is something I think is really valuable for you as a teacher and has done wonders since you have first hand experience with the importance of accessibility for all students in the classroom.
I too found that the article mentioning the organizations AIM Center and NIMAC to be pretty valuable. These sorts of organizations really make it so teachers have no excuse when it comes to inclusiveness in their classrooms.