I have designed many websites in my life. In college, in the early 2000s, I created my first website with just jokes that my friends wrote (all not very good). Since then, I've create many more using tools such as Blogger, Google Sites, Wix, Weebly, and Finalsite. I love the new Goolge sites because it vastly improves the user friendliest of its features. It continues getting better but one thing I hope that eventually gets added back is the levels of visibility on the web. Keeping somethings more private with a "only those with the link can view", like a students portfolio, without adding specific users to the site used to be super helpful.
I've used websites to share information with students, to display library resources, and for students to create to share their learning. With students I've had them create a Google site to be their learning portfolio, but I've also used it with students who created a site at the end of their research unit, sharing the information they learned while using other literacies too such as visual literacy, information literacy, and digital literacy. I too have used Google Sites to create my own learning portfolio while in the Masters Program at UVM. Especially after all the learning in this course, I plan to use Google Sites even more. Here are some examples of websites I've used, but note that I will definitely be improving them with more UDL principles.
Library Skills Builder Dorothy's List RES
There are a lot of different modes of representation that website design can offer. Text, visual, audio, and interactive materials can all be embedded into one space for students to learn. These functions can also be available for students to show their learning, especially if the site is opened up to students to design as well. (Similar to this one! :) ) I think that it also increases engagement too because students like using technology. They can also feel like they are in control of their learning by "driving" the site. And if students are creating their own site, it can be an authentic real world experience that they can feel proud of creating and share with the world. Some things do need to be considered when using sites such as ensuring for accessibility, but they are not out of reach. Designers just need to be mindful when designing, and that includes teachers and students. Add visual, add auditory, and make sure to put the labels on images so text to speech programs can still describe the image. (I'm feeling bad that I have not included anything other than text in this reflection). I appreciate that the UDL text has that explicitly embedded in their visuals.
I've used websites to share information with students, to display library resources, and for students to create to share their learning. With students I've had them create a Google site to be their learning portfolio, but I've also used it with students who created a site at the end of their research unit, sharing the information they learned while using other literacies too such as visual literacy, information literacy, and digital literacy. I too have used Google Sites to create my own learning portfolio while in the Masters Program at UVM. Especially after all the learning in this course, I plan to use Google Sites even more. Here are some examples of websites I've used, but note that I will definitely be improving them with more UDL principles.
Library Skills Builder Dorothy's List RES
There are a lot of different modes of representation that website design can offer. Text, visual, audio, and interactive materials can all be embedded into one space for students to learn. These functions can also be available for students to show their learning, especially if the site is opened up to students to design as well. (Similar to this one! :) ) I think that it also increases engagement too because students like using technology. They can also feel like they are in control of their learning by "driving" the site. And if students are creating their own site, it can be an authentic real world experience that they can feel proud of creating and share with the world. Some things do need to be considered when using sites such as ensuring for accessibility, but they are not out of reach. Designers just need to be mindful when designing, and that includes teachers and students. Add visual, add auditory, and make sure to put the labels on images so text to speech programs can still describe the image. (I'm feeling bad that I have not included anything other than text in this reflection). I appreciate that the UDL text has that explicitly embedded in their visuals.
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