Making it Accessible
Mobile learning and the use of handheld devices is an ideal way to take affordable and portable technology into classrooms, community venues and the other technology-challenged teaching environments. Making technology accessible or inclusive isn’t necessarily about addressing a disability. Many people consider the screen size of PDAs and mobile phones somewhat small and the fiddliness of the buttons or stylus a small barrier to its use.
However additional hardware and software can be used to ensure these devices becomes user-friendly for everyone. Before looking at these options let’s consider planning to use the devices in teaching.
Techdis ‘How to Guides’ look at a variety of ways to using the devices accessibly and the model below can help you consider how accessible the experience is for the learner.
Techdis M-Accessibility Model
| A. Content | Does the content on the device support me? | |
| B. Task | Does the task engage and motivate me? | |
| C. Interface | Can I see the screen well, can I work it or hear it? | |
| D. Cultural Capital | How ‘cool’ is the device? Do I value the experience using this device? |
Now let's put this into action
Imagine you’ve been given a set of PDAs to use in a session. Think of a group of learners and a suitable activity.
Step 1. Take 1 learner and plot the reaction to A,B,C and D how you think he/she would respond. 0 (zero) is ‘little’ and at the centre point, 5 (five) is ‘greatly’ and is at the end of the arrow point.
(For example, a multiple-choice self-assessment quiz based on last week's content might strongly support a learner (A, score 5) as the learner missed last week's session however his visual difficulties might score low (C, score 2).
Step 2. Mark an x at each of the 4 points relating to your response.
Step 3. Join up the 4 points to form a diamond/square shape.
So what does that mean?
The closer to the centre point of the model, or within the coloured area, indicates that the activity is less accessible for that learner. You may need to consider an alternative activity or try a different method e.g working in pairs to support that learner.
Apply this model to a potential learner
Quicklinks
Making it Accessible
Using the Accessibility model
Hardware and Software
Other sections
In Practice
Examples and ideas showing practical ways to use the different devices in the classroom and out and about
Choose the Right Device
What to look for when buying the devices, reviews and suggestions
Technical Tips
Troubleshooting, software and hardware solutions
FAQs for Organisations
Issues and questions that organisations experience
The Future
The changing world of handheld devices
Glossary
An a-z glossary of mobile technology terms