To begin today’s class, we relocated to the CLE basement to conduct a computer conferencing room. We tried to video conference with a guest speaker, but network/wifi issues prohibited us from doing so. Nonetheless, we pressed on. We continued the video conference from one room to another, and discussed questions around multi-modality.
We talked about the difference between inclusion, exclusion, segregation and integration, and what multi-modality has to do with it. The term “blended” is outdated, and we are leaning towards “multi-access,” which takes into account more than just being face-to-face. Being face-to-face, such as having a video call, doesn’t meet accessibility needs.
“Modality bias” is misconceptions and prejudices people have about media playing a role in school inclusion.
Thinking things have to be verbal and face to face is exclusionist. Not everyone can be there all the time, and only fostering an in-person learning environment excludes a lot of potential learners.
After our break, we explored using the screen-robot and talked about how it helps with make learning more accessible for those who cannot physically make it into the classroom to participate in class activities,