drfrannie's eNotes

We’ve moved!!

drfrannie — Fri, 08 May 2009 13:03:58 +0000

Please redirect to http://www.recognizingdifferences.com

The buzz about the E-book

drfrannie — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:07:47 +0000

It’s interesting to read all the recent press about the growing “E-book Revolution”. For example, in today’s Wall Street Journal, the authors discuss the pros and cons of what this might mean for the future of reading (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123980920727621353.html).

While I’m not a proponent of shifting all our reading to digital platforms, I do see the value in these resources. Text in digital forms provides additional flexibility for many readers to adjust font size (for low/limited vision), hyperlink to websites that can expand context and meaning, and include additional assistive supports. Unfortunately, the e-book revolution has not embedded ALL of the great tools we assistive technology practitioners find most valuable – the ability to turn on/off speech aloud functionality, the ability to have pages turned automatically, or the ability to highlight text in color — word for word, paragraph by paragraph, etc.

These are exciting and controversial times with these new trends. What’s your take?

An opinion or two about Twitter

drfrannie — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 23:08:18 +0000

Here’s an interesting commentary about the rapid growth of Twitter, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124000817787330413.html. I’ve yet to become quite the diehard fan of this particular tool as it seems to be more of a place where people share more personal information about their travels and whereabouts. I however do enjoy learning about new information and technologies that, at least in my twitter, are sometimes found. Guess that depends on who one follows and who follows who?!

As I remarked to a friend today however, Twitter has much potential to add richness to conference discussion and poll the opinion of the crowd. I enjoyed doing this recently while attending the annual EDUCAUSE ELI conference in Orlando, FL this past January. The conference coordinators were very smart in adding a Twitter strand for conference participants to share as they absorbed information in sessions. Through their “tweets” they send out quick bullets of information and opinion that both other conference participants and those around the world could observe. A rich dialogue with a global reach.

Good news to know and share about digital books and resources!

drfrannie — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:11:31 +0000

From bookshare.org – Easy Access to Digital Books Online

“The website Bookshare.org has announced exciting news! Book scans can now be shared through a special exemption in the U.S. copyright law that permits the reproduction of publications into specialized formats for persons with print disabilities. The website provides access to books that are stored online as well as add books to the collection. Free memberships for qualified students with disabilities are currently being funded by the U.S. Dept. of Education Office of Special Education Programs. Bookshare also offers more than 45,000 digital books, textbooks, teacher-recommended reading, periodicals and assistive technology tools. For additional information, visit: http://www.bookshare.org“

An early perspective on the importance of universal designs

drfrannie — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:37:05 +0000

Several years ago, I was required to take a tour of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate as part of a required course in the history of higher education and a deeper understanding into one of the profession’s founding fathers. Upon entering that structure, one was immediately struck by the genius of this man’s architectural skills. His attention to a universally designed structure that enhanced the living and learning process was clearly evident in his creative use of spaces, ample inclusion of windows and doors and, generous opportunities for available light. I was especially impressed with the inclusion of using dumb waiters and an automatic door from the entrance to the parlor – very innovative features for that period. Jefferson’s visionary approach to structural design was again seen on our tour of the UVA campus. As I stood in the Dome Room of the Rotunda, I was impressed with the complementing form and function of his use of space and light. Here was a room that could equally complement a large class, social function or small study group. Several windows and sky lights provided ample quantities of available illumination – adding to both the functions of reading and comprehension. Throughout, one could appreciate the natural attention to detail and design that commanded Thomas Jefferson’s attention. As we fast-forward to this time period, we can relate these architectural considerations to the designs more commonly seen in “smart house” design. Today, an article today’s Washington Post celebrates again this man’s early genius and the new developments that are available to visitors of his estate. Worth a tour and worth understanding. TJ was truly a man ahead of his time.

Tools that enhance cognition ..

drfrannie — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 23:05:38 +0000

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal presents a growing use of technology spaces that offer workouts in the “brain gym”. As these authors note in “The Latest in Mental Health: Working Out at the Brain Gym“, this growing phenomena is attracting many aging baby boomers and others who realize that their cognitive skills need sharpening. These approaches also build on the body of research in the neurosciences that supports the plasticity of the brain and the ability to keep those neurons and neural connections growing! I’m especially encouraged to read such articles when they bring to light the amazing discoveries about the brain, how we can enhance our learning, and how we can maximize these opportunities for others. This is a central foundation of the concept of universal design for learning.

Blogs, wikis, nings and more

drfrannie — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 01:37:35 +0000

Social media tools and connections have quickly become the place that people seem to be sharing and connecting. It is an interesting phenomena and one that can also be overwhelming. How does one stay atop all the blog posts, the wiki collaborations, the ning networks? How are they useful and how can they complement one another?

I think it’s important to remember the “function” for the tool and the reasons for using such. For example, aside from this blog, I contribute to our assistive technology blog through our program at http://assistivetechnology.vcu.edu. Different blogs, different conversations. Wikis become an increasingly important place where I can collect resources and share with many or, work on a collaborative project with others. Currently I keep connected to several open wikis such as http://udl4literacy.pbwiki.com and several closed wikis that are used to discuss more private information. The ning is yet another social network that is growing quickly. Again, I’m a member of several open nings such as Virginia’s http://vsteonline.ning.com/ and a few closed nings for member only access. But keeping the communication going and remembering to engage in my Facebook and Twitter posts sometimes become overwhelming. I’m hopeful for that universal tool where I can post to one and populate out to many!

Universally designed features are beginning to appear..

drfrannie — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 10:45:54 +0000

Last week I attended/presented at a computing conference. The audience was a bit different from those I typically chat with, yielding more of the information technology professionals — those who handled the infrastructure, the websites, and the networks. But, these were the ears I wanted to capture with our discussion about the instructional and assistive technology tools of the Apple iTouch. This portable device that provides access to wireless connectivity, files on the go, an array of photos and videos, a full screen display, a speaker, an added microphone accessory, a touch screen, and an unlimited number of apps for download.

To my surprise and delight, many of these savvy technology users had an iTouch or were quite familiar with the tool. As well, when the Apple, Inc. folks shared their presentations, they showcased some of the features that make viewing easier for everyone. For example, the touch sensitivity also allows the ability to touch and drag the screen size to enlarge the view. If trying to read a small window for a web address, the user can also hold their finger and a magnifier will appear to enlarge the view. Great features!

I’ve also been impressed with the apps that are available on this tool, ranging across many categories such as education, productivity, business, and entertainment. We were showcasing some of the education apps. Again, the ability of this second generation iTouch allows for speech through the speakers and provides wonderful functionality for apps such as a talking clock, talking calculator, or speech aloud options. I’m hopeful that some of the e-book readers will find there way with this important feature as well.

Yesterday, I was again impressed with Apple’s approach to product design. In the Wall Street Journal, an article on the latest iPod shuffle that “is the first portable music player…that announces what is playing….push a button and it will tell you…the title, artist or whatever song you’re hearing” (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123680765866800501.html) As I chatted with a friend yesterday, who happens to be blind, this device provides the access he needs to use the tool. What I like is the tool design includes the functions he already needs– universal designs!

The allure and social appeal of Facebook and other “social” networks

drfrannie — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:34:38 +0000

Last night our part of the country received a walloping dose of snow. As I awoke this morning, there was at least 8 inches outside my door. What I’ve also found interesting is the numbers of folks that are engaging in online discussion on Facebook — what appears to now be THE social networking site for connecting with friends. Seems many of us on the East Coast have received these mounds of snow outside our doors.

a snow covered backyard fence in Richmond, VA

Today, through Facebook (instead of a phone) I’m having online conversations with old and new “friends”, sharing photos of the snow effects in our yards, and gaining a sense of “connectedness” through this online portal. Why I can even have a real-time chat as I peruse my Facebook wall posts and engage in a “discussion”!

As I do this, I also wonder about the many who cannot use this tool. Who are isolated from participation because their mode of technology does not allow them to read the code behind Facebook and garner the same messages — friends who may be blind. I had a similar situation in introducing a new social network in Ning to a friend who is blind and he could not get past even one column of information before his screen reader stopped working. These are real design issues and need to be considered as the growth of social media tools continues to grow and populate the web. Where’s the universal design of these tools?

The turning tides on newspaper print

drfrannie — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:35:43 +0000

In today’s Washington Post (3.1.09), there’s an interesting article entitled, “Under the weight of its mistakes, newspaper industry wobbles”. The author shares several reasons why this is happening to the Rocky Mountain Post and others. One of these is, as he notes, “the rise of the digital world in which newspapers feel compelled to give away their content”. Interesting point.

Personally, I enjoy the print edition of the Washington Post that I read each Sunday morning. I’ve also began reading the daily edition of the Wall Street Journal. While I’m an advocate of digital tools and digital texts for many, I’m one who prefers this medium in print. It provides an opportunity to take in information in a completely different format than the one I use throughout the day, primarily e-mail and e-communication. I enjoy the opportunity to slowly peruse the headlines of each section, turn the pages of the paper, and take in the material under the light of a lamp or an open window. There’s something about the features of that place and space that appeals to me.

Likewise, I applaud the new options that newspapers offer by providing their information in digital form. For many, this affords the ability to read through the power of a computer — providing options for individual users such as quick enlargement of print, color-coding when needed, or hearing the text read aloud. Similarly, having the flexibility to gather “newsbytes” from blogs and podcasts provides a wonderful way for many to download the content to their portable mp3 device and listen while they travel.
This is great for those who prefer or need this format but, it is not for everyone. An interesting article to review and consider!