When reading Networked
Publics, the term accessibility stood out to me. Although listed as, “four
key trends: accessibility to digital tools and networks”, Kazys Varnelis.
Networked Publics (Kindle Location 54), the book, a bit dated, discusses the
fact that digital tools and equipment are more mainstream. Thus giving the common person the ability to
do things they might not typically be able to do without a professional. Additionally, the book discusses the how whole
households have multiple mobile devices and may use them as a primary way to communicate. Although the book is 8 years old, the topic
of social norms came up. A topic still
relevant today. “We are still very much
in the midst of negotiating appropriate social norms in this era of layered
presence” Kazys Varnelis. Networked Publics (Kindle Location 116).
I have to admit that my first thought on seeing the term accessibility was on Accessibility and
Usability. Accessibility and Usability
pertains to making content accessible to people with physical disabilities and
other restrictions such as, those that might be related to the economy and the
environment. As we discuss digital tool
and new literacies, I have found that this factor of accessibility is barely mentioned. A cultural key issue, as everyday people use
these digital tools, adaptations have to be made to accommodate a variety of
accessibility and usability features. Usability
from the standpoint of making sure the tools or result of the tool is easily navigable. Can you get back where you were? Are you
using consistent branding, etc.? Accessibility, not only limited to people with
disabilities, but including styling and branding. Consider your smart phone. Like most of us you are quick to hop on the
web to find something. If the page you
find is not styled to render on a mobile device, your ability to navigate the
site is either restricted or extremely difficult. As a user, you will probably leave that site
and go to another one. I’m sure that is
not what the site creator meant for you to do. Just one more thing to add to the growing list of new literacies.
Varnelis,
K. (2008). Networked Publics. Kindle Edition
Hi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteAlthough this text was written eight years ago, I was surprised at how relevant it still fits in to today’s society with technology. I agree with you, when I think of accessibly I think of assistive technology that helps people with disabilities to help accommodate their needs. For example some of my students have access to a spell checker which aids them in their writing.
Connected to accessibility is concern of students being able to comprehend and use the digital tools properly. Without proper access, they may not be able to understand as easily as their peers.
ReplyDeleteYour post brings up very good points about the relevance of the text. Just as Laura states, it is surprising that with ever advancing technology, this text is still very relevant.
Lisa,
DeleteUsability is something that I did not think of when reading this book, but it is certainly a great point and I'm glad you brought it up. Usability is a very important point to make because of the differences in learning styles and abilities. I think that is one of the great aspects about the new forms of literacy and resources. The new technology is a great resource for all types of learners, and people in general. It is important that our society keeps building on these great ideas to make learning as accessible as possible for all.
While I agree that new technology is made to accommodate a variety of people, it is important to include Accessibility and Usability in the fundamentals of new media literacy.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI might be way off here but what I have noticed is that I will give up looking for something on my phone long before my children will. My children are more willing to navigate the roadblocks until they find what they are looking. I become frustrated very quickly and give up.
Andrea,
Deletethat's all a part of usability. The creators of whatever you were using need to make sure their tool,game, or whatever it might be is easy to find, navigate and use. If not, then to your point, the users of the technology will leave.