I really enjoyed exploring my applications as well as those selected by my project partners. I had the chance to look at some digital tools/ platforms that I might otherwise not have considered for inquiry exploration.

Further considerations in our group project led me to explore thinking about accessibility and technology and how they are intertwined.

Technology as we know is changing the way our students are able to access the curriculum, and what I noticed with the applications that were selected for our project, was that they would work well for many students and in different capacities.

Through this inquiry process the variety of digital tools explored allowed me to view varied options to support student learning styles. There is flexibility with the options explored in terms of availability and accessibility (most of the applications explored were free of charge). While we did discuss that much of the technology available to districts is predetermined, (often not with the consultation of teaching staff) the options explored cover a wide spectrum of interest and tech abilities.

Personally, not being as comfortable with navigating technology, I appreciated having the opportunity to explore options that were relatively user friendly and easy to access. Which brings me to the main point of discussion for this blog… accessibility.

Accessibility is such a huge factor when looking at incorporating digital tools into our everyday teaching practice. When looking at how to best meet the needs of students with learning exceptionalities, it is important to consider the vital role that technology can play. Exploring technology and providing all students with options for digital tools can mean that all students have equal and equitable opportunities to participate and meet the learning objectives.

It was important for us recognize that exploring the digital tools allows us to meet students where they are at, while providing them with considerations for design (supporting visual, kinesthetic, auditory and interpersonal learning styles).

Technology utilized in classrooms today should enhance or improve the learning experience. Digital tools can provide students with multiple access points and bridge the gap of disparities that are not always obvious. While technology should provide greater opportunities to learn and access the curriculum in a unique and exciting way, it is important to mention that the initial learning of the digital tool itself can be equally important in considering how it can help a student achieve a learning outcome.

When I think about how access to technology can be a real game changer for many students I consider some of the following:

  • Technology provides an easy approach to learning materials-often we may find that students are more comfortable with using digital tools then we are. In performing introductory activities with digital tools, we may discover that students are very much at home with navigating these applications and able to work with greater independence.
  • Technology makes learning more time -efficient- ever wonder why we flog pencil to paper tasks, when quite simply providing students with other means to demonstrate their understanding can save time, teach new skills and alleviate unnecessary stress.
  • Technology can be a less costly alternative for learning- while many digital tools and online applications are costly, the ones we chose in our project were primarily free. There are lots of great free digital tools out there, as well online learning can provide students with options that they might not otherwise have, especially when we look at creating opportunities for students to attend higher education. In addition, assistive technology has vastly improved students with learning exceptionalities with greater opportunity to attend post-secondary school.
  • Technology individualizes instruction- we know that all students learn differently and many need particular accommodations and modifications to meet the goals of individualized education plans, technology can assist with this.
  • Technology promotes Self-Determination (choice-making, problem solving, self-monitoring, decision making, goal setting and self-advocacy skills). This is so critical as we move away from teacher centered classrooms to student centered classrooms, where students can explore, learn and reflect on their understanding and gain a greater sense of responsibility and ownership over their learning journey.
  • Technology can provide multiple entry points- this allows for every student to have access to the curriculum regardless of ability, background, previous experience etc.
  • Technology supports communication, expression of ideas and information sharing – technology can be a great mediator for students with verbal communicative difficulties or students who require additional language develop supports.
  • Technology supports to solidify and reconcile understandings- this is evident as we see many digital tools present in our students’ homes. While we may not agree with all the time our students spend on devices, it is clear that their level of engagement can be overwhelming. I believe that some digital tools could be used to solidify concepts by making less fun curricular content more interesting and engaging to our students, therefore reinforcing concepts.
  • Technology may bridge the gap of disparity-while we are under pressure to assess our students during this very difficult time, one thing comes to mind and that is the inequities that exist with our students. Many of our districts have done surveys to canvas communities to find out who has access to internet, laptops etc. it is a challenge to know how to meet student needs who many not have a device to us. It is a challenge right now to think about equitable assessment when we have no control over the homes our students are coming from, the level of support there are receiving from their families or the educational resources that they have at their fingertips. We are experiencing unprecedented times right now, so it feels that this may not be a fitting point to include, however living in an isolated community I can see how technology plays a huge role in making education programs/ online classes available.

The considerations around accessibility are vast. There is work to do I suppose, to ensure that we are able to make digital tools accessible to all learners, but as long as we recognize the value of technology in the classroom and how it can enhance student learning we are moving in the right direction.

Resources/ Blogs/ Videos to explore:

https://blogsomemoore.com/tag/supporting-diversity/  (Shelley Moore talks a lot about supporting diversity and how assistive technology can support our most vulnerable students).

How Has Technology Changed Education? (2017, April 25). Retrieved from https://online.purdue.edu/ldt/learning-design-technology/resources/how-has-technology-changed-education

https://youtu.be/CtRY_1mZWWg (Jan Wilson, Associate Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies and History at the University of Tulsa discusses learning possibilities through UDL and how all students can benefit).