Reflection on Week 1 (2/22-3/1)
Two things... 1. In a digital culture where things are so easy and convenient for users to work, think, express, and search for ideas, I wonder how well it actually is for people. One thing I saw this week was the Chrome Extension, Speechify. Great tool for users who do not do well at reading PDF's, articles, or webpages. I know it's an easy tool to help students with IEPs or 504s get by in school, and I would probably have my students who need them use them. Then, the layer underneath comes to mind: How well is this for students? The issue isn't text-to-speech platforms; it's the lack of reading skills. I know reading proficiency is on the decline in America, so this tool helps students cope and get by without needing to read. Is that truly solving the problem? I don't believe so. I think students who need services like the one Speechify gives is good to keep students moving along in class so they don't "fall through the cracks", but it doesn't s...