Warm Up (5 min)

Background and Motivation

Discuss: Ask students to define the term "app" in their own words. What is an app? What kinds of apps are there? Where do we use apps? While discussing, show screenshots or examples of apps on your smartphone or tablet if possible.

Say: Ensure that all students are on the same page regarding this topic by introducing some key terms and concepts.

• In this course we have been learning how to code. Code is used to create computer applications. Games, web browers, media players... the list of applications goes on and on!
• App is short for application. Usually, apps more specifically refer to applications running on small computers called mobile devices.
• Smartphones and tablets are examples of mobile devices.

Discuss: Apps are everywhere! Ask students why they think apps have become so popular. Here are some example explanations:

• Many people can more easily access or afford a mobile device (e.g., smartphone) than a larger computer with a keyboard, mouse, and so forth.
• Apps can address a variety of needs. For example, if I need a ride somewhere, I might try a ride sharing app and get there quickly. If I want to know what movies I should watch, there's probably an app that can help me decide. And of course, if I want to call or text someone on my phone, I use apps for those as well!

Say: Introduce accessibility with the remarks below.

• As apps become used by more and more people, app developers often come across issues that they had not considered, likely because they have never experienced those issues in their own lives.
• Many of these issues are related to accessibility. In the world of computer science, accessibility is about creating technology for people with disabilities.
• Disabilities include physical, auditory, visual, and many others.
• Disabilities are diverse and impact people in different ways. For example, someone who is slightly visually impaired might simply wear glasses. Someone who is severely visually impaired might be considered "blind" and will need more assistance.

Transition: Tell students you'd like to introduce them to a few kids who, even though they have disabilities, are just like them.

Main Activity (35 min)

Designing for Accessibility Scenarios (10 min)

Display: Display each scenario from the Designing for Accessibility Slide Deck. While displaying a scenario image, read its accompanying script to the class (see below). Discussion questions are included in relevant slides.

App Redesign Activity (25 min)

The final scenario allows students to sketch a redesign of one app from the scenarios ("Grammaphone" for Wei or "Football Frenzy" for Roger).

Students should primarily focus their efforts on making their redesigned app more accessible for either of them, along with any other accessibility features they can think of. Students can design as many screens for the app as they wish, and they do not need to make their app look anything like the original examples.

If there is time, students may redesign apps for both characters.

Distribute: Pass out crayons/pencils/etc to each student as they open their Thinkspot Journals.

Share: After designing, students share their app design with a neighbor, or if there is time, some students can share with the whole class. Each student should answer how their app design addresses the need of the user in question.

Wrap Up (5 min)

Discuss: Discuss real-world examples of how apps and other technology can be made more accessible. Ask students how they think making something more accessible can also make it better for others. One example is wheelchair ramps near building entrances. These were originally made for people with wheelchairs, but they are also convenient for people with baby strollers, dollies, and other wheeled equipment.