5 steps to an accessible classroom website

I had the opportunity to read the article 5 steps to an accessible classroom website. Finely stated within the first few sentences it read "websites should be accessible to those with visual, hearing, movement, cognitive and speech disabilities." I personally could not agree more...but by what means can we navigate to such an approach. Step one: *Organize for easier navigation. Making sure you use headers to structure your website only seems appropriate, as it allows readers to identify new sections. Headers are like your front...they allow a reader to gain a perspective of what is to be expected. It noted also when in choosing how to set up your webpage to keep in mind the font and color scheme as it should be made appropriate for all audience types. Step two: *Navigation without a mouse. This steps focus was based on that of using the keyboard for all navigation purposes. It was said that the tab key should be used in replacement of the mouse. I think this is a great prompt, as I myself personally have a lap top and use my keys as my navigational guide to roam. Using the keys instead of a mouse is also a beneficial approach to those with visual impairments allowing them to feel the brail with their sense of touch. Step three: *Text explanations for Images. "provide text for every item that is not in text format, such as images, audio, animation, buttons, java applets and image maps." Including text will help the reader understand what is to be expected and leaving them with little to question. Step four: *Using text that makes sense. Let face it...everybody wants to know what they are getting themselves into to. It was noted to avoid using simple text such as "click here" but to rather use text that will engage the browser to continue in a more descriptive way such as using the link for a title attribute. Step five: * web validators. "Web validators evaluate your website according to various categories of accessibility." When it comes time for website evaluation, this neat little tool will help generate accessibility and make reports to locate any accessibility problems. Using these five steps will help provide you with a better and more accessible webpage.

cloud computing

When reading this article I noticed one sentence in particular that really stood out to me. Cloud computing, was said to have the potential to offer staff and students better services at a lower cost than the technology deployment models they're using now. Right there, I thought to myself, well who wouldn't want to use this method? Cloud computing was noted as having many advantages with its applications that rely on file storage and the internet itself.  This method allows for files and programs to be stored elsewhere, so the computer doesn't have to hold much on its hard drive. One positive aspect is that", cloud computing also makes it possible to use less-powerful computers, such as netbooks. A school district can lower its computing costs by using these inexpensive computers to access the cloud". It noted that many schools and universities are already using the cloud. 
Netbooks, according to Wikipedia, are "a category of small-sized, low-cost, lightweight, lean-function subnotebooks optimized for Internet access and core computing functions." This I feel is great for programs such as word processing and other document programs. 
One last aspect I liked in this article was the mention of google docs and gmail, as being intertwined with clouding. Google is a high networking source and gmail is my current emailing account. I can definitely contest and say that cloud computing may soon be the norm using in education. 

point/counterpoint

Blogging sites are a way for people to express themselves. Whether personal or professional, blogs allow people to share what they want to share with the people who want to listen. In a personal blog, one might tend to share stories about ones travels or personal life, whereas with the professional blog, co workers can become engaged as well. It was stated that adding professional commentary to a personal blog can actually be a positive aspect. 
I think blogging is a positive thing as it allows for a person to share, electronically their thoughts and allows for open ended communication. I agree with the following statement..."The nature of conversation revolves around offering and push-back, point and counterpoint. " Blogging allows for such conversation and enables everyone to take part.