Digital Inclusion by Amber Ferris

Access

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 16:30:36 UTC

Ensure that everyone has access to afforadable and reliable internet connectivity, devices (smartphones, tablets, computers), and the infrasturcute to support these technologies.

Digital Literacy

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 16:34:27 UTC

Provide education and training to help develop skills needed to use digital technologies effectively. These skills could include using a computer, navigating the internet, online safety and privacy, and using digital tools for communication and collaboration.

Inclusive Digital Content and Services

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 16:36:31 UTC

Ensure that online content, services, and applications are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities, those who are not proficient in the dominant language, and those with low levels of literacy or digital skills.

Equal Access to Educational Resources

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 16:39:38 UTC

Digital inclusion ensures that all students, regardless of their sociaeconomic background, have access to and can benefit from a wide range of quality educational materials and resources.

Personalized Learning

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 16:41:42 UTC

Digital inclusion allows for personalized learning experiences tailored to individual student needs.

Bridging the Digital Divide

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 16:43:52 UTC

Digital inclusion in education helps bridge the digital divide by providing underserved and marginalized communities with the technology and connectivity they need. This can reduce educational disparities and promote social equity, ensuring that all student have the opportunity to succeed academically.

Remote Learning and Flexibility

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 16:46:52 UTC

Digital inclusion is essential for remote learning, which is a flexible option for those who may face barriers to attending traditional in-person classes. Access to digital devices and reliable internet allows students to participate in online classes, complete assignments and engage in virtual group work, regardless of their physical location.

Alternative Text for Images

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 16:52:14 UTC

Images should include alternative text for those who are blind or people who turn off images (low bandwidth). With alternative text, a screen reader will read the information aloud on the page.

Transcripts for Audio

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 16:53:51 UTC

A transcript for any audio makes the information accessible to those with difficulty hearing.

Web Accessibility Inititative (WAI)

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 16:54:57 UTC

Provides comprehensive resources and guidelines on web accessibility.

Consider Design

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 16:58:10 UTC

Consider typography, as small text can be difficult to read for those with visual impairments. Also consider contrast in design, as low contrast is hard to read for people with color blindness or visual impairments.

Assistive Technologies

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 17:03:56 UTC

Assistive technologies are software or equipment that help those with disabilities interact with digital information. These include screen readers, screen magnifiers, voice recognition software, and selection switches. It's important to ensure any information delivered through websites is compatible with these assistive technologies.

Purposeful Links

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 17:07:18 UTC

Avoid too many links and describe what the link is, as "click here" can be confusing for screen readers. Also, indicate whether a link opens in a new window or not.

Video

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 17:27:02 UTC

Are the closed captions on when showing a video?

Did you load the video to YouTube for easier access? (subtitles, playback speed, bandwidth, device compatibility)

Do you use QR codes in prerecorded videos?

Fun fact: Google now has closed captions that automatically appear with audio/video content!

Audio

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 17:28:03 UTC

Do you have closed captions?

Have you provided a transcript of the audio?

Design

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 17:34:41 UTC

Do you have a clear color contrast?

Are there clear headers for logical organization?

If creating a website, have you used a web accessibility evaluation tool, such as WAVE?

Is your type easy to read? (Consider font, size, organization)

Accessibility

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 17:39:09 UTC

Do all students have internet connectivity?

Do all students have the appropriate devices to access your content?

Do all students have the skills needed to complete your digital activity?

Do students have the skills necessary to keep themselves safe and protected while on the Internet?

Links

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 17:40:57 UTC

Have you indicated what the links are? (Avoid saying click here)

Have you indicated if a link will open in a new tab?

Have you indicated if you are linking to non-HTML content (PDF for example)?

Images

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 17:42:29 UTC

Have you used alternative text for images?

Chromebook Accessbility Features

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 17:56:40 UTC

If you are using Chromebooks, there are accessbility features that could be helpful for you and your students. Watch the video to discover features like large mouse cursor, full screen magnifier, select-to-speak, etc.

Use AI for Accessibility

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 17:59:02 UTC

You can use AI to help make your online educational resources inclusive. Check out the website for more information.

Accessibility

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 18:05:07 UTC

Consider providing a handout for those who need printed material and cannot access digital information or provide an alternative way of completing work. Perhaps conduct a survey to understand each student's digital needs.

The Digital Inclusion Coalition

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 18:17:51 UTC

Offers resources on digital inclusion policies and advocacy efforts, as well as best practices and case studies on digital inclusion initiatives.

Inclusive Learning Network (ILN)

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 18:20:39 UTC

Provides resources, webinars, and professional development focused on inclusive learning practices.

The Office of Educational Technology (U.S. Deptartment of Education)

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 18:23:03 UTC

Offers comprehensive guides and toolkits for implementing digital inclusion and accessbility in education. Additionally, the Office of Educational Technology provides policy recommendations and frameworks for ditital equity in schools.

ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education)

aferris6 — 2024-06-09 18:25:47 UTC

Provides guidelines for effective use of technology in education, as well as offers professional development resources, webinars, and a community forum for educators to share best practices.