The Accessible EdTech Playlist

Workshop Session 2

Brief Abstract

This session will explore and highlight an “edTech Playlist” of Web 2.0 tools that allow for collaboration, innovation, as well as being accessible for varying learners.  Details regarding each tool will be provided in report card grades for how the tools rate in terms of accessibility.

 

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Wendy Torres, Coppin State University

Wendy Torres has been teaching for over 21 years and has a BA in Special Education and a Master of Educational Leadership in Instructional Technology. She has taught at all levels from Kindergarten to Higher Ed. She is currently the Senior Instructional and Digital Accessibility Specialist and Adjunct Instructor for Coppin State University. She has given numerous professional workshops for Roland Park Country School as well as the St. Francis of Assisi School, the Digital Harbor School, Coppin State University, the University of Maryland, the Online Learning Consortium and multiple professional organizations.

Extended Abstract

The pandemic caused us to dramatically pivot to remote learning. With students returning to schools and campus, expectations on learning have shifted. Students expect flexibility, support and a personalized learning experience. We now have a new set of learners that view and interact with the world differently. Web 2.0 technologies have enabled us to reach these learners. When effectively implemented, these tools can help promote student achievement, support parents and empower educators to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners. 

However, not all Web 2.0 tools are created equally, nor are they accessible to people with disabilities.  The promise of Web 2.0 can only be achieved if every student is able to fully engage with the content. This session will explore and highlight an “edTech Playlist” of Web 2.0 tools that allow for collaboration, innovation, as well as being accessible for varying learners.  Details regarding each tool will be provided in report card grades for how the tools rate in terms of accessibility. Additionally, participants will explore how to leverage accessible online tools to drive inquiry, differentiate instruction, and allow for student-centered learning opportunities that encourage accessible communication and collaboration. 

This will be an interactive session where participants will get hands-on experience with the various tools shared. All participants will have access to the presentation at the same time and will be able to provide real time data/feedback. All participants will also have printable resources that they can refer to after the presentation. The presentation will also be made available in a digital format.   

OBJECTIVES: 

-Participants will be able to identify at least 5 web 2.0 tools that they can be used to reach different learners in engaging ways. 

-Participants will be able to identify how the Web 2.0 tools shared can be used to reach different learners for a variety of subject areas. 

-Participants will be able to identify the potential and limitations of the Web 2.0 tools assessed. 

This will be an interactive presentation where participants will get hands on experience with the various tools shared. All participants will have access to the presentation at the same time and will be able to provide real timedata/feedback. All participants will also have printable resources that they can refer to after the presentation. The presentation will also be made available in a digital format.