Weekly reflection #8
This week in class, we discussed inclusive technologies and accessibility. In breakout rooms, we discussed two YouTube videos, and all felt similar ways about how, if technology can be brought into a classroom and help students feel more supported and included, why would teachers not want to do so? Technology supports can not only make students feel more supported and included but also allow them to access tools that broaden their learning and improve their motivation in school.
It was very interesting checking out The Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool created by Utah State University. I had not thought about the accessibility of websites to this degree before, and it was really interesting to learn about all the different considerations that are needed to make an accessible website. When I tested my blog website out, I got a score of 4/10. Some of the flagged issues were not by my design but how the website template was designed; however, there were two main things getting flagged that I can fix: one being the colour contrast of text, and the other being adding alt text for images. I have changed the accent colour to be darker and have better contrast, and will add alt text to the images I use for this and my last inquiry blogs!
Just ran this post through the accessibility evaluation website, and it now scores an 8.7, with the flags being on things that are part of the website design that I could not figure out how to change!
Brynn, thank you for reinforcing the importance of inclusion through accessibility. The tool is a great way to help us ensure we keep Universal Design for Learning practical and at the heart of everything digital.
Also, well done on improving your site! Thanks for citing the photo as well.