Week 4
Two models and one lesson
My lesson idea
Students use browser developer tools to emulate vision deficiencies, slow internet, and small screens, recording difficult-to-navigate website components for further investigation/discussion. This introduces practices for evaluating computer-based technologies (P6.2) and considerations for communicating ideas (P5.2) in Year 11 Design and Technology (NESA, 2013).
Screenshot of vision impairement emmulation options in Edge
Model 1: SAMR
- The emulation is an example of augmentation – functional “improvement” to experience browsing with vision impairment. Using screen capture or similar tools for observations – is substitution of sketches and notes, or modification if video is captured.
- It is Interesting how augmentation here is a degradation of accessibility.
Model 2: TPACK
- Technical knowledge is using the browser emulation, and record keeping apps. Students will need to understand features, to use emulator parameters, as well as screen capture to record observations. Content knowledge crosses over with technical knowledge as it includes UX and website navigation. Pedagogical knowledge covers experimental learning, critical analysis.
- TPACK doesn’t account for complexity levels of tools, tool limitations, or assessing scaffolding required/used. Student level or thinking, or their competence/experience (i.e. information literacy or previous theoretical understanding) isn’t explored.
What might this look like in a real classroom?
- In a better-equipped classroom, additional tools like text-to-speech systems (JAWS) or braille reader peripherals could be used, but that increases the complexity for both students and facilitator. Alternative tiers for below/above standard students focuses on capturing user experiences and evaluating automated testing by comparing WAVE scores with their observations.
- It is likely some students have a colour vision deficiency - limiting the pedagogical value of the activity, or making the task unnecessarily difficult or overwhelming by laying an emulated impairment on top of their condition.
- No/low-tech alternatives include foggles (used by student pilots) to emulate restricted visibility, and tinted Perspex or coloured lights to reduce visibility by collapsing colour differentiation. Viewing posters or signage under these conditions approximates but doesn’t realistically emulate a vision impairment.
AI summary task
Composite screenshot of promt and DeepSeek V3 response.