My research idea at the beginning of the semester was a bit broad and too much to cover in only one semester. I had initially thought about doing something with the future of informatics and technology, diving into Kevin Kelly’s The Inevitable. At first glance it would be a fun project, but I have found myself a little uninterested and overwhelmed. I’ll leave the predictions to Kelly.
In week six, I posted a blog about the importance of accessibility. That has been rattling around in my brain ever since and I’ve decided to switch my focus over to accessibility. Particularly, the questions that I have are: What does accessibility in web development entail? Is there a current curriculum that is agreed upon? What are the consequences of not prioritizing accessibility as our society becomes more and more digitized?
As an abled person I admit to, and am ashamed of, the fact that I have not always considered accessibility. I take my sight and reading ability for granted. It wasn’t really until I became a web master for an elementary school that I truly understood the importance of accessibility. What really drove it home for me was my friend who works for the same district, works with children who are visually impaired. A lot of them use technology to better understand the world around them, but they are often excluded from many mainstream sites and apps.
I’ve also seen a lot of conversation surrounding web design and whether or not you need a formal education. Currently, I would argue that one does need some sort of formal education. I think this is the best way to emphasize accessibility. When I look at creators online who have large followings, I worry because the designs I see them pumping out are not accessible. An interesting discussion stemming off of that would be, if the trend of self-taught developers and designers continues, how can accessibility be taught and enforced?
As these latest revelations and changes of focus have been quite recent, I don’t really have any related research compiled. However, as I peruse the Forsyth Library Databases, the top three I will start with are Computer Source to help understand current trends, Communications & Mass Media Collection for general supportive information, and Computer Science Collection to hopefully dig into current educational procedures. These are just a start, of course, but I think they will be the most helpful when trying to compile information and write my paper. I also think that Faulkner’s Advisory for IT Studies will be helpful for supportive information and linking trending changes in the world of computing and web development.
I am really interested in where this topic takes you and the research you are able to find! I can relate a little to the inaccessible nature of most educational tools and websites for students, and how it is very difficult to find curriculum to bridge the learning gap. I know that in the past five years there have been a rise in lawsuits against school districts across the country for just these reasons and perhaps an education database would hold some valuable research on the topic as well as the technology databases that you listed. It is a little overwhelming when you start to consider things from someone else’s point of view for sure! The small amount of experience I have with web accessibility blew me away. To think of details and color schemes that seem to be a non issue for me, can make something unusable for someone else, really made me think about what all I take for granted when simply browsing the internet!
Great research questions to start with, Abigail!