Barry Parker

Using Technology to Promote Diverse Needs

Technology can be used to create tools and devices that help people with disabilities to

access information and communicate more easily. For example, screen readers can help people

with visual impairments to read text on their devices, while speech recognition software can

help those with physical disabilities to type and interact with their devices. Some examples of

text to speech extensions include:

- Read Aloud: Read Aloud uses text-to-speech (TTS) technology to convert webpage text to

audio. It works on a variety of websites, including news sites, blogs, fan fiction, publications,

textbooks, school and class websites, and online university course materials.

- Natural Reader: Natural Reader does text to speech, is a chrome extension that converts text

online into natural sounding audio. Simply press play and have your Emails, Websites, PDFs,

Google Docs and Kindle Books read aloud to you.

- Read&Write: Read & write extension allows users to make use of test- to-speech software.

Read & write also allows students to do speech to text.

Technology can also be used to create customizable interfaces that cater to the specific

needs of individuals. This can include changing font sizes and colors, adjusting contrast levels,

and adding features that make it easier for people with different abilities to use the technology.
To control the font size when browsing on the internet students should know the simple

control + command to zoom in on their screen. An example of adjusting colors can be seen on

google chrome with their tab color customizer. Technology can be used to create translation

services that help people from different cultural backgrounds to help communicate with each

other more easily. One up and coming translation device that I see today is translator earbuds.

These earbuds provide two directional simultaneous translation which means you do not have

to wait your turn in the conversation.

Social media platforms can be used to promote diversity and inclusion by providing a

space for people from different backgrounds to connect and share their experiences. Social

media can also be used to promote awareness of different cultures and issues, and to provide a

platform for marginalized groups to speak out. Social media is a big influence in students’ lives

today to express themselves. Some Social media apps I have seen in the classroom include:

- Twitter: From breaking news and entertainment to sports and politics, get the full story

with all the live commentary.

- TikTok: On a device or on the web, viewers can watch and discover millions of

personalized short videos

- Facebook: Connect with friends, family and other people you know. Share photos and

videos, send messages and get updates.

The following is a list of activities that I have completed demonstrating my ability to successfully

address diversity in my classroom.

- Equitable access for all students

- Modeling and advocating for the use of technology for challenging tasks and higher

order thinking for all students (as opposed to using technology for drill and skill).

- Identifying specifically how technology can be used to address cultural differences

- Reviewing software collaboratively for bias or insensitivity.

- Collaboratively creating lessons so that all students can have an entry point into the

lesson.