Patrick Donovan

38 parts later, we’ve covered the "What" and the "How" of ADA-compliance. Now, let’s talk about the "Right Now." As ADA deadlines approach, what is your district's biggest pain point? Reply below! We want to help provide resources based on YOUR needs.

💡 Tip of the Month💡 Stop repetitive typing and transform learning by using Gemini Gems! Access premade tools like "Learning Coach" or create your own personalized AI to equip your classroom. 💡 More in our April Newsletter 🔗 myemail.constantcontact.com/---ITEC-March-… #itecia

Make sure you are following the @itec_ia account and check out all of the posts this month about how we can improve the accessibility of digital resources for all students. Special shout out to @chillmanisu who has done an outstanding job creating all of this content.

Edtech can't make bad pedagogy good, bad pedagogy will always be bad and if we are not conscious about how we are using technology, or any resource or technique for that matter, we will not do well. Focus has to always be on good pedagogy and the impact on the learners.

It is so much easier to shine when you have the support of others, teaching/being an eductor is a task that is so very tough to do well so make sure you are not trying to do it alone!

After 23 episodes of the Esports Classroom Podcast, I am thinking about what the next season should focus on. If you are an Esports coach/coordinator/player at the high school or college level - what would you like to hear? Check out all episodes at donovanscience.com/the-esports-cl…

Procurement 101: What is a VPAT? The Hook: Don't guess if an app is accessible. Ask for the receipt! A VPAT is a standardized report in which vendors disclose how their products meet accessibility standards (WCAG). Learn More🔗 buff.ly/D4cvStj

The Ames High Esports team won both Mario Kart matches this week to start the season 2-0. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has always been a favorite of mine to coach and this team is off to a great start with a mix of returning players and new players.

Robust (Level AA) - Part 35: Access Anywhere The Hook: Don't let screen size be a barrier to success! Robustness means "Functional Parity." Whether on a 30" monitor or a 5" phone, every button must work. Access for every device. 🔗 itec-ia.org/robust-build-f…

💻 Tech tool of the Month 💻 Edugems is a one stop shop with curated, customized Gemini gems. They are ready to use or you can even remix them yourself. 💡 Find out more in our March Newsletter 🔗 myemail.constantcontact.com/---ITEC-March-… #itecia

Part 35: The Rule of "Same Look, Same Action" If a "Blue Button" saves work on one page but deletes it on another, you've created a barrier. ✅ Icons should have 1 meaning ✅ Colors should have 1 function ✅ Buttons should be predictable 🔗 buff.ly/D4cvStj

Robust - Part 34: Zoom Without the Gloom Zooming in shouldn't mean scrolling sideways! If your site doesn't "Reflow," they have to hunt left-to-right. Content must stack vertically Zero horizontal scrolling for text Maintain full functionality 🔗 buff.ly/D4cvStj

First Mario Kart 8 Deluxe match of the spring esports season. No baby park track this year, disappointed.

With 37 school days left and roughly 12-16 designated hours of #PLC time, how can we make the most difference now in real time to support students as we approach the end of the year? I started my facilitation with a reminder that the obstacle is the way. #PLCs #Education #SchoolImprovement #Teams #AdaptivePLCs #AgileEdu

Part 33: Don't Move the Furniture! For users with low vision, navigating a site is like looking through a straw. For ease of use, ✅ Keep menus identical ✅ Standardize search placement ✅ Keep sidebars consistent 🔗 itec-ia.org/robust-build-f…

Robust (Level AA) - Part 32: The Digital Handshake Is your code "talking" to assistive tech? For every button/link, your site must communicate: 🆔 Name: What is it? 🎭 Role: What does it do? 📊 Value: Is it on/off or open/closed? 🔗 buff.ly/D4cvStj

Robust (Level AA): The Final Pillar 🏗️💻 This week, we move "under the hood." A site isn't accessible if it doesn't work with assistive technology! The Goal: Clean, standard code that works on any device, now and in the future. 🔗 buff.ly/D4cvStj

5 days ago the roads were icy, today I was biking in 80+ degree heat. Gotta love the Midwest, never boring.

We just finished the Understandable pillar of digital accessibility. Which takeaway was your biggest "Aha!" moment? 🧠💡 1️⃣ Managing "Mental Batteries" 🔋 2️⃣ Predictable Navigation 🧭 3️⃣ Text-based Error Fixes 🛡️ 4️⃣ Instructions Provided Upfront 📝 Vote below! 👇

Find all 23 episodes of the Esports Classroom Podcast at donovanscience.com/the-esports-cl… I talked with hs and college coaches, leaders of state programs, and even some college players about the impact of scholastic esports as well as the challenges present and where esports can go next.