Navigate 4.1.1 Trend Impact Quest

     Here is a tetrad showing how the smart phone might evolve into something a bit more....

I believe that the smart phone is here to stay, with the possibility of upgrades.  The smartphone functions as a communication link between the user and the entire world with data and information at the fingertips.  It is the ultimate personal computer that fits in a pocket.  It also functions as a camera, video camera, business planner, and conference room.  It fulfills the need for constant connectivity.
     What’s next? I can see that the smartphone is just too small to take the place of a pc, so somehow feel it will stay with us for a long time, with changes to size and screen flexibility.  I cannot imagine this technology being in the supply closet gather dust but feel drastic changes might be made to it to make it friendlier for education and business. Of course, there are docking stations where you plug the smartphone in to get a large screen, keyboard, mouse, and great speakers, allowing you to continue to go mobile with the tiny smartphone.  The stations can be located at home, in the office, airport, and possibly take the place of the wireless cafes.
What kind of technology might obsolete the current emerging technology (third generation)? I can see improvements being made to the ipad that might turn it into a smaller handheld computer that might serve as a phone and camera.  It will have to be just the right size, and maybe even have a strap for hanging it on the body but the handheld computer or new age ipad might have a chance.       It is not easy to imagine anything replacing the smartphone, but things certainly change fast these days.  What seems like a great technology today may seem outdated in a few years and our norms are constantly. We must all continue to keep an open mind, remain flexible, and try never to let ourselves become laggards when any new technology is introduced. We need to look back in our past and use the pace of technology as a guide to our future with new technology. I think we should all learn all we can about cloud computing so we may learn to tap whatever piece of technology we are using into that.

Navigate 3.2.1 Tools for Deciding on an LMS Quest

Wow, after looking carefully at the top twenty, I feel that I may have underestimated Moodle.  I know that my college used it for our learning system, however it was fairly new (as I am fairly old) and we had many issues so there are improvements to it that I did not know about.  It is apparently the best for education and is constantly updating the program to allow for more functions and users.

First of all, especially in public education, it is free!  Many schools are slicing budgets while trying to maintain digital capabilities and this system offers much in the way of an online tool that meets the requirements of many K12 and higher educational systems.  At one point, our school was looking into it because Blackboard was purchasing Angel and the price was going to be more than we could afford for our LMS.  (We did love Angel).  At the time, there was a lackluster grading system and some of the support was not what we were hoping for.  After a team looked into it, we decided to look elsewhere and decided on a system called ITSLearning that is more of a personalized learning system than a learning management system.  We are in our first year and there have been many kinks, so I will withhold judgment for now and talk about some of the best on the list from our assignment.

 .  The significance of Moodle is that the production of peer-reviewed, collaborative programs will be much more useful and efficient than programs that are concerned with making money or marketing.  One major benefit of open source is that it is accessible to everyone and improvements or changes are always made available to the user community and this also allows the user to set the security in a personalized manner. This type of software can be adjusted to meet specific user requirements. The changes that open source has manifested on the K-12 educational system because the open source software is free(or almost free) and has allowed schools to access much more educational software.  A few familiar examples of open-source operating systems are Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome web browsers, Audacity, an audio editor and mixer, and Linux, an operating system used by our Department of Defense, and in many university research centers. At this time, there is no iPad, iPhone app that uses Moodle.  The thing about Moodle is that it will always be free because it is open source. The school ITS or some other technology leader will need to be the manager of the Moodle program to act as host.  This is definitely the one that would work best for an online K-12 because you can have the entire virtual environment.
Another type of online educational application that is free is Edmodo, which is more of a social learning network popular in the United States. Edmodo has iPad, iPhone apps
 Edmodo is a bit like Facebook and easier for teachers to learn to use.  It also has some great apps that can be downloaded (some for a price).  Edmodo started out free for our school, but then they wanted to charge for the system use, so we dropped it.  I really liked it, but I used it more with a face-to-face class and did not use it as for my virtual class. Basically, Edmodo is a great program where teachers can post and students can post.  

Reference

Creative Commons. (2010). K-12 Open Technologies. Retrieved November 16, 1012, from Consortium for School Networking (CoSN): http://www.cosn.org/initiatives/k12opentechnologies/opentechnologieshome/tabid/5446/default.aspx

Navigate 3.1.4 LMS Reporting Quest

In Course Sites, grade reporting has various levels.  Not only are grades tied to the assignments in the site, and reported as set up by the teacher, but automated regrading is a function that enables the teacher to drop, give full credit, change point value, or even change which answer is marked correct and the system will re-grade submitted assessments efficiently.  This system will provide notification about what has changed.  The grade reporting also has item analysis, which I feel is one of the most valuable for online instructors because it helps refine assessments by evaluating the quality and validity of each question.
  

Navigate 3.1.3 Tools within the LMS Quest

I feel that the Content area and the dropbox are the most important functions of this LMS because just about any type of lesson(interactive, video, text, real-time, ...)can be uploaded and the dropbox allows the student to submit, upload or respond in several capacities to assignments.  Below is a summary of the different functions in Course Sites - there are others including blogs, wikis, and other collaborative activities.


Tool                                          Description

Dropbox	Course sites has a drop box in each assignment area where students can submit assignments directly by uploading or attaching files.  Students also have the option of typing their response directly into the assignment section prior to submitting.
Discussions	Course sites has a discussion box where the teacher can start a forum, then the students may respond - can split off into groups if needed.
Quizzing/ Testing	Course Sites tests are sets of questions that are graded to measure student performance.  Once a test is created here, it must be deployed within a content folder before students can take the test.  Test results are reviewed in the grade center, with the exception of certain types of questions that cannot be automatically graded.
Self- Assessments / Surveys	The Course Sites surveys are not graded. They are useful for gathering data from students that is not used to evaluate student performance. Surveys must be deployed in a content folder for students to respond to the survey.
Integrated Rubrics	Course Sites has an integrated Rubric creator, where you can follow a template to create a rubric.  There is also the function of importing a rubric from your computer that has already been completed.
Gradebook	In Course Sites, grades may be entered on the Grade Details page, accessed - show overdue assignments, incomplete work, needs grading, or gives the grade.
User Progress/Class Progress	Course Sites has a Performance Dashboard that  provides an up-to-date report on the activity for all students. Information appears in a table format. Class Reports has several types of progress reporting that shows activity and progress for individuals, class, groups.

Gradebook Function	Blackboard Course Sites
Report Generation	This report displays information showing how a single Blackboard Learn Course performs against a selected set of goals. Performance targets and a range of acceptable performance for the course can be determined when running the report. Data includes averages for the entire course as well as break downs for individual students and goals.
Commenting/Feedback	Feedback can be given via the Course Sites Dropbox or the message center.
Rubrics	Course Sites has an integrated Rubric creator, where you can follow a template to create a rubric.  There is also the function of importing a rubric from your computer that has already been completed.
Data Import	I could not find this capability in this particular application - there is a gradebook that works within the assessments and assignments directly in the LMS, but I could not find an import function.
Weight vs. Percentage	The instructor can set the percentages in the gradebook for any assignment as long as they add up to 100%. Course Sites allows for text, letter grade, completion or no completion or score, so there is quite a bit of flexibility.

Navigate 3.1.2 Creation and Investigation into Courses Quest

COURSE SITES



I selected Blackboard Course Sites because it is similar to the LMS that is currently used at my school.  I found this application to be completely structured and simple to follow.  First of all, I loved the fact that I did not have to download anything to my computer to use this.  I created an account and was able to create a course with announcements, syllabus, lessons and lesson links, discussion questions, and assessments that could be tied to a grade book if I included a roster.  I am shocked that this is free and have no doubt that I could teach an online  class using just this application.  Images were easy to upload and I really needed them for my announcement/welcome page and for my geometry discussion questions.  I was able to reorder my content when I put a lesson in the wrong place.  There is a calendar, but I did not use it since there were alerts for due dates and past due assignments. 
There is a class information page where I was able to upload a recorded lesson where I actually went through the course and gave a quick glimpse of how my students could find everything and how to use the LMS for their class.  I was able to easily upload my syllabus and AUP for the class as documents. In the content section, I uploaded several videos for my topic, along with three lessons - a link to Holt lessons, learnzillion lessons, and a softchalk lesson that I created earlier in the year.  At the end of my unit, I was able to create a quiz in the site that automatically grades the activity.  I love this program and thrilled to find something out there that is free, simple to use, and that does not have to be downloaded.
I have included some slide/photos of my created pages on a mini-unit I did for 7th grade math equations and inequalities.  Here is the url, and I set it for public view, but I am not sure if it will require a student log on.... https://www.coursesites.com/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_257039_1%26url%3D

Navigate 3.1.1 LMS Tool Categories Quest

I love the LMS for effective online instruction and feel that the course dashboard is of huge importance for the students.  Organizing it with the class syllabus and teacher contact information a important.  Placing a calendar on the dashboard will give students a way to look ahead and plan accordingly.  If the LMS does not have a calendar, you can always insert a google calender on the dashboard.  Planners are great tools to use to post daily or weekly resources and assignments.  Then, when the student clicks on the planner, they can access this information and all due dates.  Files can be uploaded and links uploaded, along with video lessons and quizzes.  In many LMS systems, including the one I use, you can create an assessment and post assignments on the assessment to be completed prior to the graded test.  That way, everything is on one page.
Another activity I think is great in and LMS is the discussion board, where classes can post responses and have discussions at their convenience.  There are Wikis included in many systems and I have used these in my dashboard also.  Usually, a secure email function is included in the LMS where students may correspond with the teacher.  Notes can be uploaded, videos embedded, and many interactive activities can be uploaded to the LMS.  One thing that really works well with ours is the assessment function, where not only will the system score the test, but it will use a profile of the students' past grades to recommend remediation where needed.  Also, the ability to run reports and see learning trends helps teachers plan for future learning activities and make adjustments as necessary.

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Navigate 2.1.4 Lecture Capture Quest

One way that lecture capture could be used for an online class is as an online test feedback lesson, where the instructor has the test on the screen and uses an Activtablet to actually work the problems out as he or she explains the process.  This way, students get to see exactly what they did correctly and where they need improvement.  The lecture capture could also be used as an activity that allows students to click on an image to see a specific lesson that the teacher has compiled, in preparation for an assignment or quiz.  Students could go through the image/lessons at their own pace working toward a deadline that allows them to organize their time.  Teachers could schedule synchronous discussions in case these lecture capture activities had issues or did not answer all questions.  

Navigate 2.1.3 Commercial versus Open Virtual Classrooms Quest

First, the main reason open-source applications might take precedence over a commercial product is because open source is free.  In addition to this benefit, the source code is also open to the public and can be customized for each particular educational organization.  For those who understand how to understand the language of code, this is the way to go.  On the other hand, making changes is complicated and there is not a support system in place so at this point money might have to be spent for a support service. 

The commercial applications usually come with organized instructions for users, a technical support staff and help line.  Some are really expensive, depending on the program and the amount of users, but I believe those that are affordable are still better than the open source.  I have not had the best of luck with the open source - at one point we had no funding so we had to use Open Office.  So many students dropped work and reports because it was not compatible with open office.  I have also had some experience with Moodle and found it to be OK, with very limited interaction and it was almost too structured for the things I wanted to work with.  

If funds are not availalbe, open source is best as long as there is someone to offer support services, and if there are funds, Blackboard is one of my favorite, but there are so many options.  There is also the option of applying for grants for these services.

Navigate 2.1.1 Delivery Methods and the Synchronous Vendor Market Quest

Adobe Connect - Can easily email the link after setting up the meeting and when users enter, it looks like a chat room and has the members/attendees listed. For middle school, I might even consider allowing them to select a user name so they feel more comfortable collaborating with the group. They can use the private messaging function in case they do not feel confident enough to ask their question through collaboration. Adobe Connect has a great mobile app that could be used by educators and learners. It can be integrated into the outlook email, which is our school's network account. Lessons and sessions can be recorded for those students who are unable to attend and there are private chatrooms, video capabilities and screenshare. YouTube is filled with tutorials that are focused on specific capabilities and the tutorials are really good. Finally, Something that works on PC, MAC, Ipad, and the phones - this is really something we have done without this past year because the iPads did not work with Flash - this software uses flash but guarantees that it works with ipads. Most of these tools have set amounts depending on the hosts, but Adobe actually charges according to the actual tool and they add or take away capabilities as needed. The WebEx has several different options, and I think the free one could be used for small online groups without ever having to purchase the program. It allows 3 people per meeting and would be great to use for small team collaboration or teacher-student remediation and tutorials. This program has screen share and whiteboard, allows for uploading and working on documents, showing small standard videos and even offers technical support. The purchase price is not too bad, depending on how many administrators/hosts are desired. I think this looks much like Blackboard where you can schedule your meetings, but I do like the way you can schedule meetings in Outlook, while uploading and sending documents and files to participants so they can be prepared for the meeting.The set up can show a video at the same time as the chat - and I know from experience that many students do not have capability of webconferencing at the middle school level, so they can chat and disucss through that medium as others web conference. You don't even have to download the software because once you sign up to use it, it actually downloads to your computer as you use it the first time. This has everything you need for a synchronous classroom lesson and discussion and is an affordable tool. Blackboard Collaborate is the tool that I currently use for my online classroom meetings with students and I do like the way you can schedule meetings, invite participants and there is a huge range of screens, functions, and interactive capabilities that can be used in this software. It is more expensive than some of the others but our virtual school has it for at least another few months. I usually record our sessions for those who want to review them or those who cannot attend and have the option of transferring the recrding to MP3 or MP4. There are multiple functions and many private rooms that can be used for collaboration in Blackboard. There are really cool signals for hand raising, clapping, and other things for students as they chat and participate in a lesson. I like this one because I am familiar with it - but will admit it was not simple for me to learn to use the many tools that accompany this program. There are many tutorials availalbe out there in Youtube and on Blackboard's site that are helpful for holding lessons. I did not sign up for the free trial of the GoToMeeting because they wanted my credit card info and wanted to automatically start charging me after the 25 day trial period. However, I am fairly certain that these resources are similar and offer the same type of environment for the students. Sometimes, the online student who gets only asynchronous assignments and lessons tends to become isolated and may not be as motivated unless some type of collaboration and sychronous learning is mixed into the learning. These tools provide the opportunity for students to chat together, share ideas, get immediate feedback and answers to questions, and respond to discussions in real time. I have used both Kahn Academy and Learnzillion and both are excellent tools for online students, with learnzillion being a bit more simple and interactive. Kahn is specifically video oriented whereas Learnzillion has an instructor talk through examples and lessons in more of a slideshow or powerpoint format. Students are not able to interact with the instructor but may use these resources to form ideas and compile questions or responses to questions by participating in them.

Navigate 2.1.2 Recorded Session Quest

Karen Wagoner:
You have scheduled the following Blackboard Collaborate session:

Name:	Live Chat With Wagoner - Re: Combinations And Permutations
Type:	None

To join the session, please click on the link below within 15 minutes of the specified time.Join the Blackboard Collaborate session
To invite others to join the session, e-mail the following link:https://sas.elluminate.com/m.jnlp?sid=2011037&password=M.F0FA8D03F9C8D39E42E03C4D459E3A
To add this Blackboard Collaborate session to your calendar, please click the following link:https://sas.elluminate.com/mvc?sid=2011037&miuid=88F5AE8B22B515DC63FA39C6928F126E

I am hoping that the live session will be more successful next time.  I have had them before, and have to admit that it is very difficult to get everyone (7th grade online students) to participate even when we are all logged on at the same time.  I used Blackboard Collaborate and set up my screen to share applications as I worked on a math review giving feedback for a test in which many students did not do well. I had already gone over my feedback and knew which problems needed to be worked out for the students.  Two of the students had to use the chat section because they could not get their microphones to work, and not one student ever asked a question, so the session was extremely one-sided.  What I had hoped would be a class discussion turned into a teacher directed lesson and I fear it will take several more sessions like this to get everyone to feel comfortable with the online process.  There were a couple of students who were unable to attend and I do like the fact that I could easily email them the link, converted to MP4, for them to watch at their convenience.

I had some technical problems as I played it back and noticed a few areas where the screen blacked out when I switched to a different application.  It was not a complete loss and I feel that recording sessions is much harder and takes a bit more finesse than I originally thought that it would.I like the way this particular software emails me immediately with the recording link letting me know it is complete and allowing me to get online and see it immediately as others view it.

Navigate 1.3.1 Discussing the LMS and CMS Quest

A full blown LMS is ideal for matching up and tracking the content with the user, whereas a CMS is more focused on the content itself.  One really big difference in the two systems is that focus and how it creates a successful environment for learning.  The Course Management System is more collaborative in its content and the more content producers, the more successful the system.  On the other hand, the Learning Management System needs more users as participators in order to be deemed successful.  

I have used WordPress simply to put out a knowledge base for an upcoming annual parade for the city, allowing users to learn about the parade and its history, to ask questions, and to submit applications and payments for entry.  There is not the same type of tracking involved in this CMS as there is in our school's LMS and I do rely on that tracking as I check to see what lessons my students have viewed, administer formative and summative tests with immediate feedback for both instructor and learner, and facilitate asynchronous and synchronous discussions.  

The LMS is much more secure and is more suitable for the K-12 schools, even going so far as to tie grade systems into the system and offer remediation suggestions based on input by the learner.  The CMS is a perfect tool for offering informational instructor led courses that do not require as much user tracking and businesses often use them for eLearning.

Navigate 1.2.1 Describe Roles and Functions in Online Learning Environments Quest

ONLINE LEARNING
I think the main role of the instructor, who serves as facilitator, organizer, cheerleader, counselor, and partner, in an online learning environment, is to create a community that is challenging and engaging and that motivates the learners to do their best at all times.  The instructional team should establish the guidelines of the course, making sure that interaction and communication in the learning environment keeps some type of social presence active to prevent isolation during the learning.  
There should be a balance of opportunities for collaboration, teamwork, and reflection.  Guided discussions with asynchronous and synchronous responses help keep the conversations lively and reflective, while administration should tend to agendas, pacing guides, syllabus, and goal-setting.  An online learning environment should use a variety of learning activities such as games, videos, interactive quizzes, and similar lessons rather than just text and lectures.
  

In Saettler’s The Evolution of American Technology, he talked about providing for the individual learner while working toward specific objectives. (Saettler, 2004). I agree with Kurt Lewin’s theory that the “significant factor is where there is interdependence in the goals of group members” (Smith, 2001). There is nothing quite as motivational as sharing a common goal and working toward it through a variety of methods with a group.

The process of online learning involves an entire network consisting of the student, peers, instructor, and of course the content and the technology.  All must work together to create an effective overall program. Using a Learning Management System that provides learner profiles, connects to the grading system, and helps to provide remediation or enrichment activities would be a dream come true for an online instructor! 

Saettler, P. (2004). The Evolution of American Educational Technology. Greenwich: Information Age Publishing.

Navigate 1.1.1 Delineating Between Synchronous and Asynchronous Content Quest

 Asynchronous discussions are those that do not occur in real time.  Class Discussion boards with threads, where topics are posted, questions are asked, problems are issued, and students can post comments or responses at any time.  Synchronous discussions are face-to-face conversations that occur in real time.  Some examples of this might be blackboard collaborate - Skype, and even online chats where text is used for immediate communication instead of video.  

Both of these discussion types are often part of online education and each one has an impact on learning.  I believe that a blend of both should be used for a successful online experience. for example, synchronous discussions are more personal and resemble face-to-face discussions because they occur in real time and participants can interact with each other spontaneously and on a more personal level. Sometimes, in an online educational environment, the synchronous discussions create obstacles for learners who are in different time zones or on different schedules so care must be taken when using this type of method. 

Asynchronous discussions offer learners time to think prior to responding, and give them the opportunity to read and respond on their schedules with more time for reflections.  This type of discussion is normally completed as a written assignment, which also reinforces the reflective opportunities, making many students more careful since they are submitting something in writing.  Shy students benefit from this because they have no reason to be shy anymore and this increases their confidence and capacity for learning.

PARTICIPATE REFLECTION

I feel that it is important to commit to safe, legal, and ethical use of digital resources and equipment and making sure to model and teach this to students is just as important.  I have discovered several new strategies, not only for incorporating these into my instruction, but also into my daily use of technology.  The resources provided and the video clips in this course have been beneficial to my learning and I plan to pay it forward so that students learn to feel comfortable discussion internet issues and are able to identify safe sites and reliable resources.  There are threats involved in the use of digital resources and technologies, however, there are methods for avoiding or overcoming these threats and developing and sharing rules and procedures will go far in preventing issues later.  

Participate 4.1.3 Digital Health Quest

DIGITAL HEALTH CALENDAR

Ergonomic Checklist (Check twice a week and rearrange if necessary:

Monitor placement

Chair Adjustment

Desk Height

Keyboard Placement

Mouse Placement

Lighting

Helps prevent repetitive strain injuries like tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome

Neck Exercises

Tilt head to one side, moving ear toward shoulder - hold 15 seconds - relax - repeat 3 times on each side

Turn head slightly and look down-hold 15 seconds - relax - repeat 3 times on each side

Shoulder Exercises

Slowly raise shoulders up to ears and hold for about 3 seconds-rotate shoulders back and down - repeat 10 times

Wrist Exercises

Hold your arm straight out in front of you

Pull your hand backward with the other hand - palm front, then pull your hand down - palm facing you - hold for 20 seconds - relax - repeat 3 times each

Vision Health

Brace elbows on desk and close to edge - let weight fall forward - cup hands over eyes - close eyes - inhale slowly through nose and hold for 4 seconds - Continue deep breathing for 15-30 seconds

Close eyes - slowly move eyes up to ceiling then to floor - repeat 3 times - close eyes slowly move eyes to left, then slowly to right - repeat 3 times

Hold 1 finger a few inches away from eye and focus on finger - slowly move finger away - focus far into the distance and the back to finger - slowly bring finger back to within a few inches of the eye and focus on something more than 8 feet away - repeat 3 times.

• What is the most proactive means of ensuring the most balanced blend of technology and well-being?

Teachers should design engaging activities that help students

see and understand safe and healthy use of technology.  Model and monitor consistently and plan for time to arrange and put away equipment before and after use.  Keep the areas clean and uncluttered and make sure cords do not cause tripping.  Share tips for reducing common health issues caused by extensive or incorrect use of computers.

• What can students and teachers do to make sure they get the most from technology while simultaneously safeguarding good health?

Create a classroom list of tips for the safe and healthy use of computers and other technology devices. Teachers should model the implementation of these tips and make sure students understand the importance of these strategies and practices.  Post a calendar so all can be consistent and make sure to develop good habits where these health issues and safety issues are concerned.  

Participate 4.1.2 Digital Safety and Security Quest

What is the most important step we can take in terms of ensuring our digital safety?

What strategies can we take to help our students consistently keep digital safety in the forefront of their minds?

Response to Question 2



Here are the links to some of my favorite resources - these are located at:

https://groups.diigo.com/group/karens-evaluation-stuff


Great Article about digital safety
Social Media Guidelines
Educational Technology and Mobile Learning
Common Sense Media Article on Digital Safety for Parents

Participate 4.1.1. Digital Rights and Responsibilities

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A SHORT VIDEO about Netiquette. the Do's and Don’ts of Online Communication

Link to The Core Rules of Netiquette—Excerpted from Netiquette by Virginia Shea

1. Remember the human: If you wouldn’t say it to their face, don’t say it online.
2. Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life: Be ethical, law abiding, and thoughtful.
3. Know where you are in cyberspace: Listen to other participants.
4. Respect other people’s time and bandwidth: Be considerate of other people’s time and needs.
5. Make yourself look good online: Good spelling, grammar, knowledgeable about content, etc.
6. Share expert knowledge: Include FAQs, post sources, and links.
7. Help keep flame wars under control: Do not allow series of angry letters.
8. Respect other people’s privacy: It is rude to read other people’s online activity without their consent.
9. Don’t abuse your power.
10. Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes.

Participate 3.1.1 Access to the Digital Community Quest

   


I enjoyed the video, and especially agree with the man being interviewed, who said that "information is power" and the internet is the path to information, thereby the path to power and success.  I would certainly like to see the existing digital gap close so everyone could reach full potential in learning and using the internet.  Unfortunately, there are many students who do not have access to any technology once they leave the school grounds and this impedes student learning through the use of technology, disrupts the individualized learning opportunities provided by the after school online environment, and creates a gap between the students that discourages some of the new and engaging ways of learning.  In the past, I also thought that the main obstacle to digital resource access was simply no home internet or hardware.  This is, in fact, only one challenge that educators face as they try to make sure that the gap is closed when trying to use digital resources.  There are many physical disabilities that tend to exclude learners if web accessibility is not considered and implemented. Screen readers and other auditory programs can be used to help those with visual disabilities, captions, transcripts, graphics and other helpful programs can be used to assist those with auditory disabilities, voice-controlled software, special keyboards, and methods for skipping over long data sources can help close the gap for those with motor issues, just to name a few.  Simply positioning of the computer, keyboard, or monitor may be enough to make the difference for some students, using stickers on the keys also helps those with visual disabilities, adapting the mouse by adding a button, or colored sticker for left and right buttons can be a deal-breaker for some.  Enlarging print, using talking picture frames and talking dictionaries, captioning, hyper linked multimedia, and even simple calculators can also create an equitable and successful learning environment for digital research.  Effective use of assistive technologies can make the difference between successful and unsuccessful educational experiences for students with disabilities (Cennamo,150).