In this discussion 3 activity, you will attempt to use the Internet via screen reader software and will compare/contrast this experience with using the Internet visually in order to analyze the way that technology has or has not lived up to the expectation of equalizing information-sharing.

*IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are a student who has a visual disability and who already uses a screen reader program, please consider completing this assignment using a screen reader program that is different from yours and/or by visiting websites to which you do not normally go.

Steps:

Review some of the leading screen-reader software available to individuals who are blind or low-vision today:

• http://www.afb.org/prodmain.asp

Select a free screen reader program for your phone, tablet, or computer to use for this Activity:

• http://www.screenreader.net/index.php?pageid=11
• http://webanywhere.cs.washington.edu/wa.php
• http://www.readspeaker.com/
• http://usabilitygeek.com/10-free-screen-reader-blind-visually-impaired-users/

Turning off your monitor, and using only the screen reader program and your speakers, navigate to your top 5 favorite websites and attempt to use each, noting your experience as you go. Keep track of missed links, content that does not work with the screen reader, and any difficulties you encounter.

• Make one of your visits to a website with a lot of video content – could you access the video with the screen reader?
• Try to access a website to which you have never been before – keep similar notes.
• Then, access a disability organization’s website – any of your choice, but several are listed here:
  • www.aapd.com
  • www.afb.org
  • http://www.unitedspinal.org/
  • http://ncil.org/

• Analyze your experience with each website and respond to the following questions
  • Did you notice differences in the websites?
  • What did you find frustrating about this activity?
  • What would you recommend to make this experience easier?
  • Do you think that you would have an easier time navigating with a screen reader program if you had more experience using it, or were there other factors?
  • How does this activity alter your perspective on the experience of the visually impaired and those with other physical impairments that make technology use a challenge?

Discussion 4

Watch the following fascinating perspective on education: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U (Note: you may want to take notes!)

Respond to the following items in 2-3 well-written paragraphs. Once you have responded, read and respond to the ideas of at least 2 of your classmates during the week. Refer to the syllabus for guidelines on discussion participation.

1. Summarize three main points you took away from this presentation.
2. Visit the following website identifying the top educational systems in the world:http://www.ncee.org/programs-affiliates/center-on-international-education-benchmarking/top-performing-countries/ Take a look at 3 or more of these countries and briefly describe why these systems are so successful. Do you see any commonalities across these systems?
3. Given what you have learned this week about the social sciences, education, and the transformative effect of technology on learning and development, propose an educational model for the future. What do you think should stay the same, what should change, and what role does technology play in helping to implement your model? What are the potential consequences (positive and negative) of the changes you propose?