EDTECH 541: Accessibility options on iPad

The iPad and other iOS devices offers a number of accessibility features to assist users. Many of these features can be found in Settings --> General --> Accessibility. There are four sections, each with a few features allowing users to pick and choose what is necessary to make their experience more user-friendly.

iPad Settings

Vision features assist the visually impaired or blind student. Some of the settings allow the user to manipulate the size of text and icons. There is a voice-over feature, using Siri to verbalize screen touches, as well as using a finger to draw letters instead of typing. Speech reads the content on the screen, making email, text messages, web pages and books accessible.

iPads also allow for a braille display when connected to a wireless braille device. These displays allow for braille in a number of languages.

Communication and collaboration between visually and hearing impaired students can take place using Facetime, the iOS video calling feature. Students who use sign language can see each other, including gestures and facial expressions, making Facetime a valuable tool.

Hearing impaired students have a number of options on an iOS device. They can turn on Closed Captioning to view CC enabled videos and podcasts, including ones in iTunes U. There is mono audio available for students who hear best from one ear. And iOS offers connectivity for Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids.

Students with physical or motor challenges have some options on the iPad. AssistiveTouch allows users who can’t pinch or spread fingers to use a one-touch or assistive device to substitute for the more complication gestures.

Students can use Siri to provide certain directions to the device, such as sending a message or scheduling a task. Many apps that require typing now has the Dictation feature, where students can talk instead of type. There is also Switch Control that allows Bluetooth-enabled hardware to perform certain on-screen tasks.

Students with speech impairments can use Facetime to communicate using sign language. iMessage allows them to collaborate using text. Speech Selection allows the device to speak for you. This feature can also help students with speech development, providing an always-accessible model.

From the list of accessibility features listed above, it appears that Apple is making a thoughtful effort to assist disabled users. From my observation, just in the past couple years this list has grown, especially with accessibility to Bluetooth-enabled assistive tools. In addition, Apple has partnered with third-party app developers to provide learning tools to students and others who need them.

Here are some links to additional iOS accessibility details:

https://www.apple.com/accessibility/

https://www.apple.com/ios/accessibility-tips/

http://www.imore.com/how-use-accessibility-iphone-and-ipad-ultimate-guide

EDTECH 541 - Obstacles and Solutions to Technology Use in Biology

Biology classrooms have technology related issues similar to most. We always have a “plan B” if the internet is down, the projector won’t fire up, a student forgets her iPad at home, or assignments cannot be accessed because of no home connectivity. We also struggle with teacher tech knowledge and how well trained they are on applications. Those are givens, and the teachers, along with the IT/ET team, work together to mitigate those problems. The science classroom has its own obstacles, which that team has recognized and are working to minimize.

Our school has adopted a 1:1 iPad program for students this year.  Although initially a bit skeptical, teachers and the tech team have found several quality apps students can use that mimic hands-on activities, making technology a valuable tool to augment student learning. This presents our obstacle:how often and when do teachers substitute actual labs with virtual labs?

My reading finds that there are some common issues with virtual labs. One is the inability to provide students with timely, specific feedback. In an actual lab, students and teachers can interact and address questions on the spot. In virtual labs, the teacher can provide feedback - but more likely after the lab has been completed. Secondly, some virtual labs cannot differentiate instruction to varying learning styles and disabilities our students possess.

Virtual labs have many benefits - they are cost-efficient, allow for "any time" completion, provide absent students an opportunity to do it, and can be revisited to refresh learning. They provide flexibility for the project-based learning classroom, where a number of different labs can take place at the same time. Actual labs allow for tactile manipulation of the lab supplies, the ability to better understand and respect supplies (e.g., chemicals used for testing), timely feedback from classmates and instructors, and greater attentiveness to results.  So how do biology teachers know when a virtual lab is more appropriate to an actual lab? Teachers first need to know what they want to accomplish in the lab. What are the higher order skills and larger learning they want their students to achieve? Possibly the most efficient way to get there (considering costs and availability of supplies) is a virtual lab.

As with most things in teaching, there is no easy answer, and the direction to take truly depends upon the particular learning needs described the standards to be covered, and the focus and methods the teacher identifies to teach those standards. As we have learned often, the answer to using tech or not is, "it depends." What is clear is that the technology approach should not lead this discussion. It's one tool in the teacher - and student - toolbelt, and needs to be used when it's advantageous to do so, and not used (or de-emphasized) when student learning can be maximized some other way.

References

Cyberlearning. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://circlcenter.org/giving-students-feedback-complex-tasks-virtual-biology-labs/.

Turkman, H. (2006) Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED501461.pdf .

EDTECH 541 - Technology in the Content Areas

As I have worked through our assignments, I'm continually reminded about the amazing breadth and depth of resources available (in all subject areas) that can add to student learning. My core area for this class is High School Biology, so of course I have spent considerable time this semester getting a decent feel for the apps, websites and other 'tools' available to a biology teacher. Not being a Biology teacher, it's been interesting for me to uncover the wealth of resources that are available. For instance, I stumbled across Biology Corner, which has an amazing array of lesson plans, diagrams, quizzes and other resources that can be used to augment student learning. I've done a little bit of evaluation of iPad apps for bio, and there are several are specific apps that can add much to a student's learning, such as BioNinja IB (free), which can be used to research the biology of genetics, including chromosomes and meiosis.

I also did some research into the tools available for those English speakers learning a foreign language, like Spanish. Translation resources abound, of course, but there are innumerable YouTube and other videos available to assist the learner in actually hearing the words pronounced, using proper grammar and so on. There is an excellent and easy to use web-based tool call Lingt that provides a way for teachers to provide prompts to students, who can then record and turn in their response to the teacher. Simple, but very effective. And of course, there is an endless list of iPad apps that can help to some degree, particularly for younger students.

I created an eBook for Biology, and again, there is a phenomenal array of tools (some better, some not as good) to provide ways for students to "show what they know" and deepen their learning. I used Bookbuilder and it was ok. It was nice that is was web-based, but a little clunky and not particularly speedy. It helped me accomplish my goals and was fine overall. There are some iPad apps - Book Creator and Book Writer - that I plan to explore in more depth this summer. They look like excellent tools that can cross all subject matter boundaries and enhance students' ability to write about the topic of their choice, and then publish their work. These types of tools deserve more of my time, as I see that need in our students - writing in depth about whatever subject matter topic is at hand.

Beyond the almost innumerable subject-specific resources are the so-called "Evergreen Apps" - those that cross just about all subject boundaries and are useful in many and varied learning situations. These are tools such as the Google Apps for Education Suite (which has an amazing array of tools, of an by itself). Beyond that, Padlet, Quizlet, Notability (iPad), YouTube, WeVideo/iMovie, LucidChart, PiktoChart, and many others make a great base for any student or teacher to get started in technology, depending upon their particular learning goals.

So, it's very clear that there are more than enough tools and resources that can augment student  learning of any type. An area I struggle with is how to make all these possibilities not seem overwhelming for an "average" teacher who wants to add technology to learning in a practical way.  From our textbook, I have gotten quite a bit from the "Top Ten" Integration Strategies referenced throughout the book (and listed on Special Features on page HV). I intend to refer to some of these, as I work with teachers as they explore opportunities. Focusing at first, of course, on the teacher's academic goals for the day, week, unit, etc. I think that talking the teachers through a short list of integration strategies that could augment what they are doing may just be the spark they need to get started. In particular, I think this may be a strategy that works for those teachers very reticent (or just plain confused) as to where or how to start. Plus, it's a focus on learning need, not tool, which is very appropriate for any discussion about adding tech to curriculum: start with the academic need, then dive into how (and what) tech can support it. DON'T start with a "this is a cool tech tool" perspective.

EDTECH 541 - Walled Garden and Social Media

This week's topic is about social media in school. Schools face some hard decisions about how to plan the access to be provided for their students. Some default to a very strict and very limited access, which means no social media sites. Some schools still block YouTube, some even block Google and Yahoo. Here's a VoiceThread with my thoughts on the "Walled Garden" and some ideas about consideration for schools as they evaluate their particular situation.

 
 

The image in the VoiceThread is by Jojo77 and is called Garden at Christ Church, which can be found here. It was found via Creative Commons search.

EDTECH 541 - Internet Safety

The integration of technology into the classroom must include the important lessons involving online safety. The opportunity for anonymity (or misrepresentation) of those who are online opens the possibility for young users to naively stumble into precarious situations. Yes, this puts more responsibility on the educator’s plate to work with students in learning such practices, and on school administration to assure consistent messaging and enforcement of digital literacy policies year after year.

Common Sense Media identifies eight topics that should be included in a school instruction. These lessons are scaffolded by grade level. All lessons include pacing, resources, videos and associated Common Core standards. The four I will focus on are Cyberbullying, Information Literacy, Privacy, and Digital Footprint & Reputation - and tied to ISTE Standards for Students in the area of Digital Citizenship.

Cyberbullying - Whether it’s an attempt to be hurtful or simply to be funny, sometimes what someone posts can have a negative impact on the receiver. Students need to understand that it's not so much the intent that is important, but how the receiver understands it. Facial cues are integral in face to face conversation. It tells us much about meaning. But in typed correspondence, that piece is missing. What might be meant as sarcasm, wit or a joke, may come across as hurtful spite. Students should be encouraged to use emoticons or other cues (e.g., “jk” for just kidding) to indicate intention.

In addition, students should understand and act as upstanders. An upstander is a witness to hurtful behavior and learns actions so he or she can support the victim. Upstanders know that it is ok to stand up for what’s right. (ISTE*S 5d)

Information Literacy - The ability to search for quality, reliable information is a learned skill. It is so easy to “google” any term and receive thousands of results. The problem is that sometimes results surface to the top for reasons other than reliability and accuracy. Students need to learn how to do an advanced search to narrow down specific information, understand clues using solid techniques that help eliminate poor sources, and find resources other than huge search engines to locate information.

The internet is a great platform to share creative work, but that doesn’t mean anyone can use it as part of their work. Students need some knowledge of how and when they can use the work of others. They should also learn how to protect their own creative work. Lessons found in Creative Commons help teachers and students get a basic understanding of what can be a complicated issue. (ISTE*S 5a)

Privacy - A woman named Keri McMullen posted on her Facebook status that she would be attending a concert that evening, as reported by the Sileo Group in a 2010 post. Shortly after she left, her home was broken into, with $11,000 worth of property loss. The investigation revealed that the thieves (caught thanks to in-home video cameras) were high school classmates who had seen the post. They weren’t close friends of Keri’s, but in her desire to have a lot of “friends," she added those with whom she had little personal relationship. Students must learn how to take care about who they share with,  and what they share. Online lessons walk students through the process of selecting what to share and when.

Students also need to understand the value of keeping passwords secure. This includes sharing with friends, clicking on suspicious advertising, and identifying phishing in email. Identity theft is regularly in the news, but users can remain safe if they are diligent with password privacy, and change passwords when prompted. (ISTE*S 5c)

Digital Reputation and Footprint - A recent study Reppler study of 300 random employers found that 96% of them used social media to screen candidates. About one-half scanned the candidate’s social media sites prior to meeting the candidate. Sixty-nine percent rejected candidates based on what they saw on social media. We know colleges are using social media in the same manner, especially with highly visible applicants, such as athletes.

Students must learn that once something is posted online, there is little opportunity to remove it. A less than innocent image posted on Snapchat can be saved as a screenshot by the receiver, and shared with others. Regardless of intent, an image or statement can be replicated and share indefinitely, causing embarrassment and harm to others. (ISTE*S 5d)

Consider using the following resources for more information on digital literacy:

Common Sense Media - provides lessons, ratings and other resources for families and schools

Creative Commons - resources to understand, find and use copyright-friendly media

Family Online Safety Institute - resources to educate and engage parents in conversations about media use at home and school

iKeepSafe - tools for schools and family to learn about privacy laws

References

Reppler Company (2012) How Employers Use Social Media To Screen Applicants ... Retrieved from http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/infographic-how-recruiters-use-social-media-screen-applicants/

Sileo, John (2010)  Facebook Status Update Leads to Robbery | Sileo Group Retrieved from http://www.sileo.com/facebook-status-update-leads-to-robbery/

EDTECH 541: Multimedia Vlog.

Here's my vlog on Multimedia. Hope you enjoy it!

EDTECH 541: Spreadsheets Relative Advantage

Several benefits for integrating spreadsheets in the classroom stood out to me as I read Chapter Four. One of the benefits is clearly from a student perspective: the ability to add spreadsheets that can then create useful (and easy to read!) charts, graphs and timelines. The ability to make graphic displays of data is often a very powerful way to show both understanding by the student, as well as clearly explain concepts to others.  Being able to think about and answer "what if" questions as data changes and being able to quickly see results helps students develop logical thinking skills, and promote problem solving as well. The ability to change the data and demonstrate the accompanying changes to the timeline, chart, etc. is very valuable from a learning standpoint. In this case, for example, using spreadsheets to evaluate demographic data in a Social Studies class could provide valuable insight into comparing and contrasting nations, cultures, timeframes and more. The ability to easily generate charts that make visible data changes over time can lead to some extra critical thinking, communication and problem solving practice for students.

My subject matter area is high school biology, and (even though I don't teach that subject), it's easy to envision how collecting experiment observations, measurements, etc. via spreadsheet (or, even easier, via a Google Form) can lead to better record keeping, faster results, and more time to evaluate and truly understand the experiment and the outcomes.

In Math, used with care, spreadsheets can also remove some of the 'mundane' number crunching and replace that with some deeper thinking opportunities as students evaluate "what if" scenarios as the data changes. This can either be teacher led, perhaps more on the front end of a unit, or done by students as they delve into more complex mathematical constructs. This does assume that the students have learned the basic mathematical calculations that underlie the learning and are not using spreadsheets as a crutch.

As Roblyer and Doering noted, there is still a fear of "math" by some students (and, I would submit, some teachers too...). So, that would need to be overcome to ensure there is a level playing field in the classroom if the teacher wanted to utilize spreadsheets to support students'  deeper analysis and problem solving.

Here's my High School Biology - Spreadsheet site.

Thanks for any feedback you might have.


References



Roblyer, M.D., & Doering, A.H. (2013). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Boston,    
      MA: Pearson Education, Inc.