Artifact # 9
Designing an Accessible Computer Lab helps to meet the needs of diverse learners within a classroom. It is to help involve all students in what is being taught.
Rationale for the Artifact: Designing an Accessible Computer Lab
Competency 12.4: “Physical settings that support active student involvement, inquiry, and collaboration.”
Competency 14.2: "Ensuring equal access to media and technology resources for all students."
Context:
I created this artifact during the summer of 2001 in Classroom Use of the
Microcomputer in grades K-12. This artifact was designed in order for
teachers to design their classrooms to support all student involvement.
For this artifact we chose a partner and came up with ideas on what could
be the ideal computer lab for anyone. I went into Microsoft word and
typed up a list of all the things that would be great in a computer accessible
to everyone. As a teacher our goal is to provide equal access for all
students.
Impact:
As a future teacher, I will be licensed to teach grades K-6 in North Carolina
and I will keep these ideas in mind when designing my classroom. As
a teacher I will have students with special needs and I plan to make sure
that all students can use a computer. My goal is to provide all of my
students with equal access in everything we do in the classroom.
Alignment:
This artifact aligns with competency 12.4
– and as a future teacher of North Carolina; I know and will incorporate
these ideas into my classroom.
This artifact aligns with competency 14.2 - by making a computer lab accessible to any kind of special needs, this computer lab can become a comfortable place to learn for all students. It allows all students equal access to media and technology.
The accessible computer lab also aligns with INTASC principle 5 - it helps to create a learning environment that provides positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation to all learners.