The Scout Report -- Volume 27, Number 16

In 2018, the New-York Historical Society launched a traveling exhibition, Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow. Now, readers can explore the virtual version of the exhibition, which details "the struggle for Black equality after the end of slavery." Visitors may want to start by reading the instructions for touring the virtual exhibition. Next, readers can use the Menu bar to explore by topic or click on the panoramic images to use the 360 viewer. In addition to blog-style text and images, the portal paints a realistic picture of a physical museum and allows visitors to zoom in and read documents of interest. The virtual exhibition was created with photographs from the Atlanta History Center, so it also features portions specific to Georgia's history. Funding was provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Ford Foundation, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council, Crystal McCrary and Raymond J. McGuire, and Agnes Gund. Along with exploring the exhibition, readers may want to download and use the family discussion guide and classroom materials. Both contain resources to facilitate thoughtful discussions. The classroom resource is particularly comprehensive, with more than 140 pages of materials divided into three chronological units (Reconstruction, the emergence of Jim Crow, and challenges to Jim Crow). A key feature of the curriculum is its inclusion of life stories that put names and faces to the different perspectives that shaped this history. [EMB]

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Published biannually, the Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-based Learning (IJPBL) features pieces on research and best practices in the field. Problem-based learning is a learner-centered pedagogy that focuses on the skills and knowledge gained as students work through scenarios. Educators new to the pedagogy, and even those who are well-versed in it, may benefit from the journal's content. For example, the latest installment, Special Issue: PBLing the unPBLable, contains pieces on implementation challenges and benefits and the future of problem analysis. The special issue's introduction offers a useful primer of each article's content, and may be a welcome place for readers to begin. In addition to browsing the latest issue, readers will find archived content from 2006 to present. Most articles are between 10 and 20 pages, making them manageable for busy readers. Click on a title to view the abstract before committing to the piece, or click the PDF button to jump right in. IJPBL remains open-access with support from the School of Education at Indiana University, the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education at the University of Oklahoma, and the Center for Research on Learning and Technology at Indiana University. [EMB]

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Based at Stony Brook University, the Alda-Kavli Learning Center, named for actor, author, and activist Alan Alda, produces virtual learning materials on the art of communication. With a focus on effective science communication, these webinars and other resources empower scientists with the skills they need to share their research findings. Scrolling down to the Webinars for Scientists section, viewers will find presentations about inclusivity in science communications, relationship building, and a primer on social media, among other topics. Led by field experts, most videos are approximately an hour long and include visuals and examples. Readers can also register for upcoming live webinars (note that a three-part "Willingness to Engage Series" is currently underway). Readers may also enjoy the "Science on Stage" series, a conversation between scientists and playwrights on connections between science and art. The Alda-Kavli Learning Center is supported by the Rita Allen Foundation, the Kavli Foundation, and the American Chemical Society. [EMB]

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Funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), this project is "tribesourcing" educational films about the Native peoples of the Southwestern U.S. The films are from the American Indian Film Gallery, a collection of about 500 educational films at the University of Arizona. These films primarily date from the mid-20th century and reflect mainstream cultural attitudes towards Indigenous People at that time. Tribesourcing is providing the films online with at least one alternate narration from within the culture it portrays to provide context and place "historical materials with the peoples they represent in order to tell the untold or suppressed story." The films are arranged by community on the website, and readers will find the films by scrolling down the home page or navigating to the Browse Digital Heritage tab. To view those that have counter-narration recorded, limit to the category "Completed Alternate Audio Narration." For example, Arts and Crafts of the Southwest Indians, "Part 1, the Navajo" (originally produced in 1953) has a counter-narration that points out that the original film seems to view the Navajo/Dine crafts as recreational, or hobbies, while in reality, the silversmithing, weaving, and pottery depicted were important economic activities in the community. To listen to the counter narration while the original video is playing, the Tribesourcing recommends starting the video, then using the audio controls (blue lines on the right-hand side) to mute the original narration before launching the alternate narration. In addition to the films, readers will find complementary materials (e.g., a Dictionary and News archive) on the site. [DS]

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Marine scientists may want to check out Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE), a free, multifaceted ecosystem modeling software suite. EwE offers three components: Ecopath ("a static, mass-balanced snapshot of the system,"), Ecosim ("a time dynamic simulation module for policy exploration,"), and Ecospace ("a spatial and temporal dynamic module primarily designed for exploring impact and placement of protected areas,"). Collectively, the software package allows users to analyze ecological questions, conceptualize policy responses, evaluate ecosystem changes, and much more. The platform offers a global research community, with thousands of users in more than 170 countries, and has contributed to hundreds of publications. In fact, EwE's contributions to marine science were recognized as one of NOAA's "top ten scientific breakthroughs in the last 200 years." Readers can explore some of the platform's research contributions on the User Support tab, which links to "EcoBase: a database of Ecopath with Ecosim models." The latest version of EwE is available on the Downloads tab. Users should note that EwE's desktop software requires Windows Vista or newer. [EMB]

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On The Upgrade, a podcast from Lifehacker, co-hosts Alice Bradley and Jordan Calhoun and their guests give listeners how-to guides on "the stuff that matters." On this episode, the duo and guest Alice Wong discuss an incredibly important topic: disability rights and allyship. Readers will likely recognize Alice Wong from the Disability Visibility Project, a fantastic resource included in the 05-29-2020 Best of the Scout Report issue. In addition to directing the Disability Visibility Project, Wong is an author, activist, and consultant. Here, Wong shares how able-bodied individuals can recognize their privilege and show up for people with disabilities. Additionally, the conversation focuses on COVID-19's influence on disability rights. A universal takeaway from the episode is that accessibility does not only benefit disabled people; it benefits everyone. Check out the link above to read some key quotes, listen to the embedded audio, and find links to other various places to tune in (Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and NPR One). [EMB]

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Courtesy of Queen's University, located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, Accessibility Hub invites users to be an "Access Ally." Some of the materials are specific to the campus, with accessibility tools for faculty, students, and visitors. However, the How-to Info tab contains a bevy of general tools. Here, readers will find resources for designing accessible websites, social media accounts, events, and more. The document tools are particularly insightful. Designed for Windows and Mac users, the guides discuss proper formatting, styles, and visuals to ensure that documents (Word, PDF, and PowerPoint) are obtainable and navigable for all readers. In addition to in-depth information, users will find quick reference guides and checklists, helpful for a final proofing of documents. Readers should note that the primers are designed to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The Accessibility Hub is also on social media; check out @AccessHubQU on Instagram and Twitter for more. [EMB]

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"What is web accessibility?" Find an answer, along with plenty of tips and tools to cultivate the practice, on Web Axe. Formerly a podcast and blog, and now focused on the latter initiative, Web Axe is a great resource for anyone responsible for creating online content. Unfortunately, web accessibility has actually decreased in recent times, so it is more important than ever to design with accessibility in mind. Luckily, the wealth of ideas on this site are here to help. For example, readers will find an overview of Google Chrome and Chromium features that allow users to test the accessibility of their designs. Additionally, several posts highlight useful articles, studies, and materials about web accessibility, helping readers expand their trove of resources. Plus, readers in the digital accessibility field may benefit from the occasional job round-up posts, which highlight openings all over the world. Web Axe was founded by Dennis Lembree in 2005, and the podcast was co-hosted with Ross Johnson. [EMB]

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Recognizing the need for more children's books that emphasize inclusion, the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work, a nonprofit organization supporting persons with disabilities, created six open-access options. The books are available in English, French, American Sign Language (ASL), and Quebec Sign Language (LSQ) (note that braille copies of books are also available to order for a small fee). Additionally, readers can download the books as PDFs, in audiobook format (as an MP3 or WAV file) or video format (with sign language), or as iPad and Kindle files. Along with these various mediums, the books encompass various themes. For example, Felicia McCan, written by Carolyn MacDiarmid and illustrated by James Tuer, celebrates inclusion. I'm Smart in My Own Way, created by the same duo, reminds readers that everyone has unique talents. I'm Wendy Blair, Not a Chair!, also written by Carolyn MacDiarmid and illustrated by Sarah Ennals, is designed to undo misconceptions about disabilities. These books were funded by the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario (ADO) as part of the Government of Ontario's Ontario 150 Partnership Program. [EMB]

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Georgia Tech's Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation (CIDI) focuses on "the promotion of technological innovation and development of user-centered research, products, and services for individuals with disabilities." At the link above, readers can browse CIDI's Research portfolio, learn about upcoming trainings (under Education), and check out their full Services offerings. While some of CIDI's services require a membership or other fees, they also provide multiple free tools. Particularly relevant right now is CIDI's COVID-19 resource portal (linked on the landing page). Created with technical assistance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and funding from the CDC Foundation, these resources distill important health information in accessible documents that are compatible with screen readers or other assistive technology and accessible videos with American Sign Language. Readers can also request mailed copies of braille resources. Equally relevant is the Tips For Making Digital Learning Accessible section (linked on the News and Events page). This portal offers guidance on inclusive technology, multimedia tools, and student interaction in digital learning environments. [EMB]

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The 03-13-2020 Scout Report introduced readers to Deafverse, the "first-ever American Sign Language (ASL) accessible online game for deaf teenagers." Readers may want to return to the original game to get excited for a new addition launching soon.

Created by the National Deaf Center, Deafverse "is a choose-your-own adventure game," designed to provide deaf teenagers with ideas and tools to navigate real-life scenarios. In the game, players are introduced to Catbot (a robot) and several other characters that will be their companions throughout their journey. Players then walk through scenarios where they are tasked with problems and choices intended to build self-advocacy and decision-making skills. All content is available in American Sign Language, English text, and English audio voiceover, and accessibility settings can be adjusted by clicking the "Settings" button in the top right corner. Players will need to create a free account to access the game. In addition to the game itself, users may want to browse the Resources section, which features Player and Teacher Strategy Guides available for free download (including accessible versions). These guides expand on the work of the game and include discussion prompts and activities. The Resources page also features additional tools for educators and caregivers. All of the game's content was created by a team of deaf individuals from the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes, a national research center committed to empowering #DeafSuccess in postsecondary opportunities. Readers can learn more about the team and their work on the Meet the Team section of the About page. [EMB]

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