http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0311/51428.html
The National Federation of the Blind is asking the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division to investigate whether some educational institutions that require students to use Google e-mail and other Google products are discriminating against blind students.In its complaint, the Baltimore-based group says that Gmail and other Google applications such as Google Docs are not compatible with programs used by the blind to translate written words into speech.“Technology has given blind people more access to more information than we have ever had in human history,” said Chris Danielsen, the federation’s spokesman. “At the same time, we're at a critical juncture. If technology goes in the wrong direction and accessibility is not considered, the effect will be to put blind people behind and at a bigger disadvantage than we ever have been.”
What other problems do you see with the use of implementing Technology in the schools?
Do you think that Technology in the schools will help everyone?
I feel that if a school wants to use Google for their free resources then why not? Okay it doesnt help the blind community but its a FREE resource. In order to make this work and everyone be happy then the district will have to most likely spend money on a device that is suitable for the blind.
ReplyDeleteUsing technology in the schools will def. help the students and the teachers.
I don't think those schools meant to discriminate. Frankly, technology needs to keep up. If they know google isn't compatable with blind student's programs, than a very smart individual could make a program that is compatable and they will make a lot of money while they are at it. I think problems with implementing technology are just issues that people haven't thought of. It isn't something you can put your finger on until you actually try to implement it. In the long run I do think that technology will help EVERYONE.
ReplyDeleteGoogle is one of the most financially successful companies EVER - if they want to compete in the educational arena, they must keep up and develop software that is compatible with disability-specific software such as those devolped by other companies. How hard would it be for Google to designate one of their many programmers to develop an interface that works with technology that already exists for the visually or hearing impaired?
ReplyDeleteTechnology may not necessarily help EVERYONE but it certainly CAN help everyone. It just needs to be used efficiently. Furthermore, Google is a free resource and provides so many tools it is unbelievable. Rather than cry out discrimination, someone should send a message to Google, or the school should try and reach out to Google. I'm sure that they can contact Google and by the time the e-mail is finished there could already be some kind of software created to solve this problem. Who knows, maybe this will be fixed by the end of today.
ReplyDeleteThis goes hand in hand with Alanna's article. This is an idea of how to cut costs and still maintain the technology standards. Technology is used in the classroom to differentiate instruction however it must be manipulated for various learning and physical disabilities. Google always tries to help it's members and I think that if this is a real concern then contacting them couldn't hurt. Technology is a great resource however it cannot be the only way to teach.
ReplyDelete