Challenge C Substantive Post 2
Accessibility within learning environments means creating equitable spaces for learners of all abilities. While forming lessons or resources, it forces the creator to be more thoughtful in their approach and considerate about what is being included or not. Overachieving accessibility will create better learning for all students. It allows those who may have been alienated from learning because of a disability to be included as well as assist those who may struggle for undefined reasons. It allows for the fact that many people live with undiagnosed disabilities. Creating learning spaces like this will help students feel encouraged to continue in their learning journey and build confidence in their academic skills.
Accessibility has a large impact on multimedia learning because online tools and media can be exceedingly alienating even for those without disabilities. For example, people in our society who did not grow up with technology present in their lives from an early age struggle with tasks we perceive as simple. Things such as finding emails, knowing what to search on the internet, or navigating websites become overwhelming and seem impossible. Often these struggles lead to forfeiting the technological aspect of their lives leading to disconnection and missed learning opportunities. Working to make media accessible for all people will help those we don’t think of when we think of inaccessibility.
Overall, accessibility creates equitable environments for all. It helps those who are not thought of in the accessibility conversation and makes facilitators more thoughtful about what they include in their media. This thoughtfulness will boost productivity and learning for all involved.
Hey Emily, I thought this was well written. I think you totally understood why accessibility and supporting people who might need or want tools to help their learning is important in terms of diversity, equity, and representation. When you mentioned how people “live with undiagnosed disabilities” cements the importance of putting these tools and strategies in place to support everyone. Moreover, I thought you mentioning access to technology was very good observation and prevalent because not everyone grew up with technology and even for the people who did, not everyone’s digital literacy skills are refined. You’re definitely right on having missed learning opportunities and I’ll expand and say how they are being prevented from being included in those conversations and spaces. I think this was really well worded, I enjoyed reading your thoughts on the matter. A few small improvements might be adding a peer review journal to support your claims or adding an image that sums up your idea or gives the reader to identify the linkages to the concepts you discussed. Great job!