Tech Chapter 7 Blog Post

1. The textbook discusses assistive devices for PCs to help individuals with visual impairment. Research and post apps that Google and other developers are creating to help visually-impaired users use smartphones.

2. The textbook gives the example of the OLPC project as one method used to lessen the digital divide. Post examples of other products and ideas that are emerging that could help lessen the global digital divide.32. The EPA estimates that the e-waste generated by digital devices produces more than 2.5 million tons every year. Research and post "green" initiatives to promote sustainability and reduce the amount of e-waste.

 1.) Various apps that can aid those with visual impairment are Voice Over (in Os X & iOS), BrailleTouch(iOs), List Recorder(free), Audible(free), and Audio Exam player(iOs). Voice Over reads out everything on the screen of your phone - icons, the menus, the features, the emails, the Twitter feed, as well as any Web pages loaded. It's "rotor" allows users to give a number of commands such as skim through Web pages or spellcheck documents. BrailleTouch is allows the visual impaired to type on their phone using iPhone or touch screen using Braille, with some reports of typing speed of 30 WPM or more, List Recorder features help students organize any kind of information they want. Regardless of being taught, all information can be split down into lists to aid mnemonic memorizing. Audible aids those who want to listen to full-length books, etc. Audio Exam Player helps students formulate best answers instead of trying to pronounce out words (http://www.emergingedtech.com/2014/09/excellent-tools-help-visually-impaired-students-mobile-technology/). 

2.) "Green" initiatives to promote sustainability and reduce the amount of e-waste is Reevaluate what's necessary, Extend the life of electronics by avoiding breakage and overcharging battery life, buy environmental friendly electronics, donate used electronics you don't need to help those that are unfortunate, reuse large electronics and recycle electronics and batteries in e-waste recycling bins around your vicinity.