Module 6 Reflection and Thoughts

on

 


Module 6 Overview

    Everyone gather around. I mean EVERYONE. We're talking about inclusion. 

    Creating and interacting in the digital world would mean nothing if we didn't have accessibility, usability and inclusion. If we value everyone's input, we must also create an atmosphere in which everyone is able to access and understand the wide world of digital literacy. In the article titled, "Accessibility, Usability, and Inclusion" written by the Web Accessibility Initiative, each aspect can be defined as:

  • Accessibility: aims to address "discriminatory aspects related to equivalent user experience for people with disabilities" (WAI, 2010). 
  • Usability: "designing products to be effective, efficient, and satisfying" (WAI, 2010).
  • Inclusion: focuses on "diversity, and ensuring involvement of everyone to the greatest extent possible" (WAI, 2010). 
    How does this relate to digital literacy? To be quite honest, the digital world would be nothing if it weren't for the diverse voices we hear from, create with, and learn from. Making the digital realm one that is well equipped to be used by everyone, regardless of abilities, reading level, background, socioeconomic status, etc. creates an environment where all voices can be heard. Everyone goes onto the internet with a vast array of knowledge, and learning from/ collaborating with people you may have everything, or nothing, in common with is where the real learning and excitement happens. 

    The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) gives four basic principles to ensure that the internet is accessible, including perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. As digital creators, it is our responsibility to ensure that our content hits all four points. Can you imagine, if everyone created using these guidelines, just how much more people we could have the opportunity to connect and learn with?

Module 6 Reflection and Thoughts

    As an able-bodied person, it is easy to look past the fundamental elements of accessibility, usability and inclusion, and in reality, prioritizing these topics should be the standard. Saying that you have work to do as it relates to including these topics as a digitally literate citizen can be hard to admit, but I encourage you to reflect on the creations you have made digitally. Are they accessible? Do they have easy usability? Are they inclusive? If you said yes, I applaud you. If you said no, now is a great time to start! Begin educating yourself, understanding steps you can take, and ask someone for help as you get started implementing these factors into your creations. It may take work at first, but as it goes with anything that is important, the work is worth it. 

    Reflecting on my own experiences with accessibility, usability and inclusion, I think about previous classes I have taken, and how using these has enhanced learning for everyone. For some people, it is essential for them to navigate digitally. For others, it may be supplemental to help them enhance learning and their experience. Whatever the reason, adding these steps into whatever you create next will have lasting impacts on the type of community you create. 

    To whomever took time out of their day to read this blog, thank you for learning with me and thank you for being a part of this community. Digital literacy is important, and so is the work of every individual. 

    Be honest: what was your favorite post to read?

Love and gratitude,

Brianna

    

References

Accessibility, Usability and Inclusion

Inclusion image

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

Comments

Post a Comment