EdTech 502 - Reflection Week 6

EdTech 502 - Internet for Educators

Semester: Fall 2014

Instructor:   Lora Evanouski

Reflection: Week 6 - Hot LInks and Web Accessibility

AECT Standards:

1.1.2b Create instructional plans that address the needs of all learners, including appropriate accommodations for learners with special needs.

1.1.2d Incorporate contemporary instructional technology processes in the development of interactive lessons that promote student learning.

1.13b Demonstrate personal skill development with at least one: computer authoring application, video tool, or electronic communication application.

1.3.b Identify at least one instructional model and demonstrate appropriate contextualized application within practice and field experience.

1.4.b Describe and/or document specific learner characteristics which influence the selection of instructional strategies.

2.3.2 Design, produce, and use digital information with computer-based technologies.

2.4.1 Use authoring tools to create effective hypermedia/multimedia instructional materials or products.

2.4.2 Develop and prepare instructional materials and products for various distance education delivery technologies.

2.4.4 Use telecommunications tools such as electronic mail and browsing tools for the World Wide Web to develop instructional and professional products.

2.4.5 Develop effective Web pages with appropriate links using various technological tools (e.g., print technologies, imaging technologies, and video).

Week 6 reflection - Web Accessibility:

This week was about patience.  We were to develop a webpage which followed Section 508 and also followed the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.  I tried to use as many things I learned from earlier weeks but I found I forgot some of them and had to go back to tutorials and find the answers.  

The assignment was very beneficial to anyone who is designing or evaluating web pages.  To make a website that is web accessible is so important.  Every person should be able to use the web no matter of the disability.  I found that it was hard to match colours that were accessible for the visually impaired or for the people with color blindness.  I had to go back many times until my webpage passed all of the accessibility rules.

We also learned about web software that is used to guide on whether a site is accessible or not.  WAVE and Cynthia Says are two excellent resources that can be used to help in the development of web pages.  

I feel that this week’s assignment was essential for me.  I will use what was learned from this assignment in my future roles in our school board.  The knowledge learned this week will let me help students and staff to understand the value of web accessibility.