I opened a random file on a hard drive I use to store archived files just for the fun of it. I discovered a draft of a piece written about 10 years ago; it contained this account of my entry into computing: As an undergraduate science education major, I concluded that computers were certainly a Read More
Category: Technology
#edtech for #edleaders: 10 Commandments of Computer Ethics
For many years, we who teach teachers spent part of out sessions discussing computer ethics. We reasoned that educators had a responsibility to both teach about and model ethical computer use. Over time, I have seen this sense of responsibility wane. One of the resources I used most often when this was higher on my Read More
#edtech for #edleaders: Imaging
This is one of a series of posts that introduce common information technology management activities to educational leaders. In the vocabulary of IT technicians, imaging refers to the process of creating a file that contains the copy of a computer hard drive, then sending that to the hard drives of other computers. This strategy is Read More
#edtech for #edleaders: Edtech Professionals and Customer Service
Regardless of the role or she fills, all IT professionals who work in schools should be expected to demonstrate excellent customer service skills. “Customer service” is not a term commonly associated with education professionals, but they are skills needed for those who are providing technology support. Exactly what is meant by customer service also depends, Read More
#edtech for #edleaders: Password Security
With the growing importance of accounts and the growing amount of information and communication that occurs on digital networks, password security is becoming very important. In the same way that you would not leave your house keys around for anyone to use your house, you should not leave your password around for anyone to use Read More
#edtech for #edleaders: User Accounts
Almost all computer systems in the 21st century require a user account. These accounts are used to control which computer resources will be available to the user. This is done to protect the system and the information stored on it. Accounts are typically assigned one of these levels of control: > Administrator accounts have permission Read More
Ethical, Legal, and Responsible Computing
130: Ethical, Legal, and Responsible Computing The emergence of digital computers and digital networks is changing what is means to be an ethical, legal and responsible user of computers. Most schools do include policy statements that teachers and administrators will use information technology in ethical, legal, and responsible manners. Remember also that in those cases Read More
Which #edtech Tools Get Used?
122: Deeper Learning Principles Because new information technologies (including hardware, software, and new uses of both) emerge very quickly compared to the periodicity of schools (new technologies appear several times during a typical school year), teachers must adopt and adapt to them constantly. When deciding which technologies to use, teachers are more likely to use Read More
Colour Contrast Analyzer: A Tool for ADA Compliance
This video introduces a tool that can be used to check that your files have sufficient color contrast that those with certain visual impairments can view the text and images.
Colour Contrast Analyzer
Educators have a responsibility to make their files accessible to users. If students–all students–cannot see or hear the materials teachers create, then the are “inaccessible.” One of the steps educators should take to make their files and pages accessible to those who have vision disabilities is to make sure files have sufficient color contrast. The best Read More