I think about this a lot in my own higher education experience, as I interact with the materials provided to large classes. It can be challenging to account for all types of students and learner diversity, especially on such a large scale, but it is essential that all learners are supported. Through thoughtful design, we can account for this variability from the get-go without students having to experience feelings of exclusion or inaccessibility.

Allowing students the freedom to express their learning/knowledge in many different fashions is essential to supporting diverse learners. Using digital tools and apps to facilitate this provides so many great avenues for students to express their learning. The overlap of UDL and EdTech is so prominent and really important when creating classroom lessons.

This is something I have always done without thinking twice. When it comes to being an educator and selecting online tools and programs for students to use, I now understand how important it is to be aware of what you are agreeing to. By selecting tools with unsafe privacy policies, students may be put at risk or families may be uncomfortable. This is why it is so important to have a full understanding of privacy policies and the cost of using and digital tool.

Backward Design is a huge component of curriculum design and the principles fo the theory are so applicable when choosing digital tools. As we have discussed before, it is so important to evaluate tools before implementing them in the classroom. It is similarly important to choose tool for specific purposes and desired goals that we have in our lessons.

This is so important to keep in mind when creating classroom activities. Not only do digital tools engage students with creative means and meet modern students where they are at, they substantially support learning. Using digital tools as a collaborative means of engaging student in class material allows for a deeper understanding.

What makes the lack of internet privacy protection so upsetting is that it was consciously withdrawn. The government values the capital gain of data collection and distribution over the safety of citizens.

This is something I didn't know, but really highlights how dire the internet privacy situation is. In our increasingly connected social climate via the internet, privacy should be something we value and protect. It's very disappointing that there are no procedures in place that allow people to safely use modern technology as they were able to in the past. Also, I feel that internet browsing data is oftentimes more personal than just phone calls and have an even greater need for privacy protection.

Student data collection in this sense can become a slippery slope in which privacy can be violated. Tracking often leads to stratification of students and perpetuates stereotypes. Though this data can help teachers to personalize their lessons, it is important that we are vigilant about maintaining privacy and work to deconstruct inequalities that are present in the education system.

Critical consumption and participation in digital spaces is so important, especially when we are working with students. Though it is so difficult to be entirely aware of how your data and information may be used by companies, we need to work to be informed when working online. Working as a teacher with modern technology, it is essential that student privacy is protected and parental wishes are respected.

To me, this is the most important aspect of UX. The initial interactions users have with a tool has the power to determine whether they will ever use it again. The navigability should be straightforward or supported by instruction. In my own experiences, I have attempted to navigate confusing interfaces and given up altogether because it was too frustrating. First impressions are extremely influential and should be largely analyzed before releasing a tool.

I think this is noteworthy because it speaks to the limitations of standards. While accessibility standards are essential and extremely useful, there is no way that they could address all issues of inaccessibility that may be encountered. The onus of creating an accessible tool/product is ultimately on developers and it is important for factors like user experience and resources to be considered when a tool is being designed.

This is a really important aspect of becoming a teacher. It is easy to get wrapped up in professional development as it relates to instruction and curriculum development, while neglecting to expand our knowledge base of educational tools. Many teachers struggle to operate modern technology and effectively utilize it in the classroom which is why courses like this one are so beneficial.

This is such an important aspect to emphasize. The onus of providing and testing accessibility is on those who create products and apps, not those with disabilities who encounter issues. It is our responsibility to create accessible media and digital experiences for all learners.

This is a particularly interesting aspect of disability activism. All people will experience a disability of some sort in their lives, yet, disabled people are a largely underserved group in society. Accessibility needs should be at the forefront of design processes for all products and services. I think it is always so surprising that making a product/service accessible for as many people as possible is rarely a priority, despite how important and profitable it may be.

I think that this aspect of community collaboration is essential when working as a teacher. Working alone to resolve all classroom issues and striving to make everything accessible for all can be very challenging. It is really important to keep in mind that we can work with other education professionals to fully support students with disabilities and those who need assistive technologies.

Issues of accessibility are increasingly more important to address, especially in classrooms. As teachers, it is our responsibility to support all students in their learning. Providing equitable and accessible lessons and environments is extremely important, as all people learn in different ways.

In my own experience, the navigability of a tool is one of the most important factors when determining the likelihood of a tool being used. Often, learning how a complicated tool or app functions can be more hassle than it is worth. However, a well designed tool/app that provides adequate instruction can make a huge difference in learning. When instruction is presented, users are much more likely to work through the program rather than cast it aside altogether. Students are willing to learn through tools, but don't want to go out of their way to do so.

A dedication to continual learning is something I think is extremely important for anyone but especially teachers. Creating a PLN is one of the most accessible ways to ensure that you are expanding you knowledge and engaging with community outside of the classroom.

This is something I struggle with even now, as a student, but I think that this barrier is something that is easily broken down. Most of the educational communities I have seen and interacted with have not only been very welcoming but excited to hear new points of view. Though teaching can be isolating at times and is it easy to be unsure of yourself, talking to others that are going through the same things is one of the most beneficial aspects of having a PLN.