Artifact # 5
Designing an Accessible Computer Lab aids in meeting the needs of diverse learners within a classroom. These characteristics help ensure that a computer lab that is accessible to all students.
Rationale for Artifact Five: 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. To complete this artifact, the class discussed the following terms: accessibility and equal access. After discussing the specific terms and their meanings, a partner and I created an ideal computer list. We included items such as a projector, speakers, comfortable chairs, a digital camera, and other items. Each item is necessary for a computer lab so that it is accessible to all types of students.
IMPACT
As a future NC educator, I will have all types of students, including those with special needs, therefore I will keep these ideas in mind when designing my own classroom. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to make sure all students can productively use a computer.
ALIGNMENT
This artifact meets Technology Competency 12.4 because I now know how to arrange a classroom in order to make it accessible to all students. The physical setting of a computer lab must be structured enough to help children stay both active and motivated so that they may learn while in the lab.
Designing an Accessible Computer Lab also meets Technology Competency 14.2 . By making modifications for students of special needs, including those students with visual or auditory difficulties as well as those in wheel chairs, this computer lab can become a comfortable place to for all students to learn. It allows all students equal access to both media and technology.
The following artifact also meets INTASC principle 5 . Children usually find technology to be extremely fascinating. Oftentimes, when children visit the computer lab, it can be a time of great fun and learning. So, an accessible computer lab helps to provide positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation to all learners. Students with physical or learning disabilities may struggle in a improperly prepared computer lab, therefore an accessible computer lab should be prepared for these students.