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Final ReflectionSierhah Price

- Size and Approach for Use:
The size and approach of use varies upon the user. All four of these programs are computer based so the size and approach will be determined by the type of computer they individual has. Assumingly persons with and without disabilities will have computers that suit them best so this should not be a problem making all of the programs of the appropriate size.
Jones, M., Mace, R., Mueller, J., Mullick, A., Ostroff, E., Sanford, J., et al. (2001, May 30). The Principles of Universal Design. Retrieved April 29, 2012, from Center for Universal Design: http://www.ncsu.edu/project/design-projects/udi/center-for-universal-design/the-principles-of-universal-design/

Reflect on the types of technology that we explored this term. Choose 4 from the list below and explain how they incorporate and/or lack Universal Design. Please refer to specific features of the types of technology that you chose. (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Prezi, Podcasting)
- Equitable in Use:
Microsoft Word and Excel are high in equitable use. Many people with a wide range of disabilities can use the programs. The only problem that may occur is if an individual is faced with some sort of physical disability in which their ability to type or speak is hindered. Even though the two programs require much use of the keyboard there is additional software that uses voice technology to carryout tasks. This could only be a non-beneficial addition if someone could not physically type or use their voice.
Prezi and Podcasting are very low in equitable use. These programs are somewhat specialized. Unlike Microsoft Word in which at some point everyone will have to write and can use the program, not everyone will need to have audio recordings available to the public or have elaborate presentations available to the public. The Prezi and Podcasting programs with applications that my exceed the expertise many people, therefore making it hard to market and use for everyone.
- Flexible in Use:
All of the programs are flexible in use. The degree of difficulty for each of them depends on the intentions of the individual. For instance if when using Microsoft Excel, the user could simply input data and make a few simple bar graphs or they could make and extensive spreadsheet that covers a fiscal year with figures and charts that illustrate losses and profits, which would require more effort and familiarity with the program.
- Simple and Intuitive:
The Prezi and Podcasting programs are not the simplest programs. When installing the Podcasting software I experienced many difficulties. It was not very direct. Also when installing the Podcasting software there is additional software that needs to be downloaded in order to publish or make your audio available to the public. For someone who is not familiar with Podcasting or does not know anyone who is, this program could be very difficult for them to navigate. Prezi takes a lot of patience simply because the work of making each ‘slide’ and designing the layout can be very tedious and many people may find that unappealing. Microsoft Word is probably the easiest program to use. Anyone can just open the program, type, print, save, and they are done. Excel is also a program that is a bit difficult to use. The program can be simple but it gets increasingly difficult when one wants to make spreadsheets and use mathematical formulas. It requires the user to be familiar with the formula they need to get their desired outcome which may prove to be an issue for many.
- Perceptible Information:
In Microsoft Word and Excell many actions are represented through symbols such as font color and bullet points but he same symbols, when the cursor is over them, have labels. This puts these two programs at a level where many users would be able to understand each action and what it is for. Prezi and Podcasting have something similar. They both have actions represented as symbols with the same label design but unless the user is familiar with the site or the technology for Podcasting and Prezi, the symbols may not be as transparent as the ones in Microsoft and Excel. May of the symbols in the Podcasting program may be unfamiliar to new users and may go unused or unnoticed.
- Tolerance for Error:
each error.
- Low Physical Effort:
All of the programs are loaded onto a computer and most of the physical action required is typing. Podcasting requires voice interaction but all of these can be controlled and limited by the user. The amount of input required is directly based off of the desired output from the user. For example if someone wanted to make a half an hour podcast they would have to do a lot of editing and speaking so there is the slight risk of exhaustion vocally. As well as with Microsoft word, Excel, and Prezi, when spending long periods of time on a project an individual may start to surfer from tired eyes from looking at the computer screen and tired hands from typing and working with a mouse. As well as sitting. Working with all of these programs implies that the user will be sitting the majority of the time and if the user is not in a comfortable chair it could cause physical strain.

Reflect on the types of technology that we explored this term. Choose 4 from the list below and explain how they incorporate and/or lack Universal Design. Please refer to specific features of the types of technology that you chose. (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Prezi, Podcasting)
Perceptible Information:
In Microsoft Word and Excell many actions are represented through symbols such as font color and bullet points but he same symbols, when the cursor is over them, have labels. This puts these two programs at a level where many users would be able to understand each action and what it is for. Prezi and Podcasting have something similar. They both have actions represented as symbols with the same label design but unless the user is familiar with the site or the technology for Podcasting and Prezi, the symbols may not be as transparent as the ones in Microsoft and Excel. May of the symbols in the Podcasting program may be unfamiliar to new users and may go unused or unnoticed.
- Tolerance for Error:
their work.
- Also Excel and Word have a spell check feature that is not available in either the Podcasting or Prezi programs. This is a very beneficial featrure for many poeple because typing errors often occur and it is difficult to go back and proofread to find each error.
- Low Physical Effort:
All of the programs are loaded onto a computer and most of the physical action required is typing. Podcasting requires voice interaction but all of these can be controlled and limited by the user. The amount of input required is directly based off of the desired output from the user. For example if someone wanted to make a half an hour podcast they would have to do a lot of editing and speaking so there is the slight risk of exhaustion vocally. As well as with Microsoft word, Excel, and Prezi, when spending long periods of time on a project an individual may start to surfer from tired eyes from looking at the computer screen and tired hands from typing and working with a mouse. As well as sitting. Working with all of these programs implies that the user will be sitting the majority of the time and if the user is not in a comfortable chair it could cause physical strain.
- Size and Approach for Use:

D. How will I change the ways I present information and collaborate with others?
After this course I will definitely not limit myself to my previous ways of presenting information by PowerPoint. The Prezi is definitely a more innovative and creative way to present information. Another innovative way I could present information would be through a Podcast. Many people make weekly podcasts on subjects and I could do the same. I could also use Blogger to post information and make available to the public. In terms of collaborating with others, I normally would use a GoogleDoc or use email but now that I know how, I could set up a Wiki space where my peers will be able to work with me and implement changes.
Tricks. Retrieved February 14,April 22, 2012, from (n.d.). Retrieved February 14,April 23, 2012, from (n.d.). Retrieved February 15,April 22, 2012, from

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Reflect on the types of technology that we explored this term. Choose 4 from the list below and explain how they incorporate and/or lack Universal Design. Please refer to specific features of the types of technology that you chose. (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Prezi, Podcasting)
- Perceptible Information:
In Microsoft Word and Excell many actions are represented through symbols such as font color and bullet points but he same symbols, when the cursor is over them, have labels. This puts these two programs at a level where many users would be able to understand each action and what it is for. Prezi and Podcasting have something similar. They both have actions represented as symbols with the same label design but unless the user is familiar with the site or the technology for Podcasting and Prezi, the symbols may not be as transparent as the ones in Microsoft and Excel. May of the symbols in the Podcasting program may be unfamiliar to new users and may go unused or unnoticed.
- Tolerance for Error:
Every one of the programs has a low tolerance for error. Microsoft Word, Excel, and Prezi programs have an automatic save and all four programs have an ‘undo’ feature that allow for unintended mistakes to be corrected with ease. The podcasting program, Audacity, is designed for editing so it allows for the user to correct a wide range of mistakes or unintended things that may have occurred during recording. Audacity does not have an automatic save feature which means the user has to be sure to save their work periodically or there is the chance that it could be lost. Microsoft Word and Excel have a review feature which allows the user to enable the program to track all changes made to their work.
- Low Physical Effort:
All of the programs are loaded onto a computer and most of the physical action required is typing. Podcasting requires voice interaction but all of these can be controlled and limited by the user. The amount of input required is directly based off of the desired output from the user. For example if someone wanted to make a half an hour podcast they would have to do a lot of editing and speaking so there is the slight risk of exhaustion vocally. As well as with Microsoft word, Excel, and Prezi, when spending long periods of time on a project an individual may start to surfer from tired eyes from looking at the computer screen and tired hands from typing and working with a mouse. As well as sitting. Working with all of these programs implies that the user will be sitting the majority of the time and if the user is not in a comfortable chair it could cause physical strain.
- Size and Approach for Use:
The size and approach of use varies upon the user. All four of these programs are computer based so the size and approach will be determined by the type of computer they individual has. Assumingly persons with and without disabilities will have computers that suit them best so this should not be a problem making all of the programs of the appropriate size.

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What types of technology will I use in my future course work or profession?
A. How will I use them? (Choose 3 types of technology from the list in Question 2 and explain).
In my future career I intend to use Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Wikis. I have in the past and will continue to use Microsoft Word for word documents, papers, exams, etc. Microsoft Excel is a program I look forward to using for my grade book and record keeping. Once I get familiar with the program and its features I would like to use the program for my own financial record keeping. The Wiki site is something I would try to implement into my classroom as a resource that includes parents and students outside of the classroom. I want my students and parents to have no excuse for being current and up to date with all that happens in the classroom.
B. How will I change the ways I search on the Internet?
Now when I search the internet I will be sure to use many of the techniques I learned from the Google Search Prezi. There were many techniques like Boolean phrases, using ‘OR’, and using “…” that will and have helped me when searching the internet.
C. How will I change the ways I research?
I will now be a more cautious researcher. There is a Youtube video, Evaluating Websites, in which I learned many ways to detect if the information I find on the web is credible and with or without bias. Another site, Which Database is Best?, informed me of how and the benefits of using database searches when doing research. I think in my future classes when I have to do research papers and projects I will use databases to strengthen my work.
D. How will I change the ways I present information and collaborate with others?
After this course I will definitely not limit myself to my previous ways of presenting information by PowerPoint. The Prezi is definitely a more innovative and creative way to present information. Another innovative way I could present information would be through a Podcast. Many people make weekly podcasts on subjects and I could do the same. I could also use Blogger to post information and make available to the public. In terms of collaborating with others, I normally would use a GoogleDoc or use email but now that I know how, I could set up a Wiki space where my peers will be able to work with me and implement changes.
Vincent, T. (2011, April 6). Google Search Tricks. Retrieved February 14, 2012, from Prezi: http://prezi.com/mohshuoe-qcf/google-search-tricks/
Which Database is Best? (n.d.). Retrieved February 14, 2012, from 21st Century Information Fluency: http://21cif.com/rkitp/course/twohourworkshop/databases.html
Evaluating Websites. (n.d.). Retrieved February 15, 2012, from YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Ba9-DnferiQ

When
How do I first answereddefine technology after taking this course?
I think that after taking this qestion in the benining of the course my reply basically statedI would define technology wasas any type of scientific advancement. To me technology covers a science applied or manipulated to any degreewide range of things. Although in order to imporve the lives of others. After gaining substancial insight on different technologies from the course I still stand firm in my initial belief. Technologywe only discussed mediums that are computer based and used for communication, technology is not limited to the multimedia, popularized formsthose alone. There are many things that we learned about in calss. It expandshave been impacted by science to any typeenhance the lives of science that is usedpeople from our food to help simplify life. It could be something as simple as a coffee sleeve or as complicated as a computer harddrive.the way we interact with one another.