Hey classmates!

I read the article about the five steps to an accessible website. Although they are factors I am sure I would have considered later when producing my own website, I really was shocked at how little I had previously thought about accessibility on a website. There is a lot more that goes into creating an accessible website and a lot of consideration must be paid to those with hearing, seeing, and speech disabilities, as well as those with movement and cognitive impairments.
The author of the article believes that there are five steps to making a truly accessible website. They include: organization, navigation without a mouse, text explanations for images, text that makes sense, and web validators. A few of the issues that stuck out to me and reminded me of my own previous concerns with other websites were with regard to organization. It is important to not set up your website where it requires horizontal scrolling, and I couldn't agree more. I have a difficult time navigating websites that are set up this way on certain computers and it makes it difficult to organize the information in your own research. Another valid point with regard to the organization of one's website is to keep in mind how your colors are working together, there are too many times where I simply cannot read the information I find on the computer screen which is extremely frustrating. I believe that as we begin to set up our websites that we must pay attention to these issues. I may need some assistance with a few of these aspects but I think it is important that if you are trying to convey information and messages through a website that everyone can access it.

Thank you
Brooke Gerrard

The Beginner's Guide to Interactive Virtual Field Trips

Hi Class,

I had actually never heard of this idea before but it makes complete sense. Due to the cost and efficiency of actual field trips schools have significantly cut down on the amount of field trips they take. Unfortunately when they do take field trips they are simple, in the near vicinity, and inexpensive. This does not allow for a great field trip experience and limits what the student can learn and the teacher can teach. With virtual field trips anywhere is possible. They have Asynchronous field trips which are not in real time. Meaning they are websites that one can access to view videos, pictures, and facts. The idea I was most excited about was Interactive field trips that take place in real time over video-conferencing in which the students can visit museums, etc., and take a virtual tours with experienced and knowledgeable educators. This is a perfect solution to costly field trips and still has all the same advantages. It takes learning to a deeper level and allows students to become excited and engaged by education. When I become a teacher I hope to be able to utilize these kinds of resources in my classroom.

Thank you,

Brooke Gerrard

Blogging...

Hi Class!

I agree that blogging is worth the risk. I think that as professionals we should be able to censure our words and to promote good communication and an environment of collaboration. I believe that we understand what is appropriate and inappropriate and that blogging is a good use of technology to inspire others to communicate on ideas and projects. As a teacher is provides a great example to our students of the ways in which technology can be useful in the classroom. It is impossible for us to communicate outside of the classroom without the use of technology and I believe that blogging sites are a perfect forum for students and teachers alike to voice their opinions and ideas. I do not believe that we should be fearful of the repercussions but we should be cautious of words and the messages that we are sending. However, i feel that that is no different that physically being in the classroom; the same is true. I would encourage blogging to be utilized for both teachers and students.

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