"Universal Usability" is the concept of designing computer interfaces that are easy for all users to utilize. It is a concept which many decry as elusive, impossible, or impractical, but this book, which addresses usability issues for a number of diverse user groups, proves that there is no problem in interface design that cannot be solved, or at least improved upon. Individuals with cognitive, motor, and perceptual impairments, as well as older, younger, and economically disadvantaged users, face a variety of complex challenges when interacting with computers. However, with user involvement, good design practice, and thorough testing, computer interfaces can be successfully developed for any user population.

This book, featuring key chapters by Human-Computer Interaction luminaries such as Jonathan Lazar, Ron Baecker, Allison Druin, Ben Shneiderman, Brad Myers and Jenny Preece, examines innovative and groundbreaking research and practice, and provides a practical overview of a number of successful projects which have addressed a need for these specific user populations. Chapters in this book address topics including age diversity, economic diversity, language diversity, visual impairment, and spinal cord injuries. Several of these trailblazing projects in the book are amongst the first to examine usability issues for users with Down Syndrome, users with Amnesia, users with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and users with Alzheimer's Disease, and coverage extends to projects where multiple categories of needs are addressed.

These chapters represent real-world projects, being carried out on different continents. The authors of the chapters also represent diversity--interface researchers and software developers in university, industrial, and government settings. In the practical spirit of the book, chapter authors provide guidelines and suggestions for those attempting similar projects, as well as implications for different stakeholders such as policymakers, researchers, and designers. Ideal for students of HCI and User Interface Design, and essential reading for usability practitioners, this fascinating collection of real-world projects demonstrates that computer interfaces can truly be designed to meet the needs of any category of user.

TEACHERS DISCOVERING COMPUTERS: INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY IN A CHANGING WORLD, EIGHTH EDITION introduces future educators to technology and digital media in order to help them successfully teach the current generation of digital students.

Everyone has the right to education. The main objective of any education system in a democratic society is to provide quality education for all learners so that they will be able to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to and participate in that society throughout their lives. With the publication of the Education White Paper 6 in 2001, South Africa proclaimed its policy of inclusive education; however, this policy is not always clearly understood by educators. Addressing barriers to learning provides relevant and in-depth knowledge to prepare educators better to teach all the learners in their class groups. Addressing barriers to learning covers the complete continuum of barriers to learning as reflected in the Education White Paper 6, including the most vulnerable of them: those who are economically and educationally disadvantaged; those with physical, sensory, intellectual, and/or learning impairment; and those displaying challenging behaviour who are at risk of exclusion. Case studies offer practical examples and activities provide opportunities for hands-on experience with classroom practice and management, collaboration with all role players and mobilisation of community involvement, which is at the heart of true inclusion. Addressing barriers to learning is aimed at both prospective and current educators and other support professionals, including psychologists and therapists. The three editors, Emmerentia Landsberg, Deirdre Kruger and Estelle Swart, are acknowledged and experienced academics and practitioners in the field of inclusive education and accommodating diversity in inclusive classrooms.

This second edition addresses the evolving skills development landscape, which has profound implications for training and development in the workplace.

It offers a sound theoretical and practical framework for both experienced professionals and those new to the outcomes-based, occupation-directed and work-based approach to workplace learning design.

South African educationists still face major challenges, of which curriculum changes are at the core. Teachers play an important role as key agents of curriculum change, and can contribute to the successful and dynamic development of curriculum if they are empowered with the appropriate skills and knowledge. Their own disposition towards curriculum can also be an empowering aspect adding value to the process of relevant curriculum development.

Teacher Empowerment Through Curriculum Development: Theory Into Practice encourages the empowerment and involvement of teachers in the curriculum development process.

This book provides teachers with:

• A sound theoretical foundation for Curriculum Studies as a field of study and for the process of curriculum development
• Examples of how this theory may be implemented in practice
• A comprehensive overview of the curriculum functions and roles of the teacher as an empowered curriculum agent

Since 1994, there have been few attempts to address the theoretical and practical foundations of effective management in early childhood development (ECD) and the foundation phase in South African schools, yet the survival and success of ECD centres and schools depends on the ability of education managers to meet the needs of the children/learners, educators, parents and the community. Education management in early childhood development provides a comprehensive overview of the management of ECD centres for children from birth to nine years old. This book is a resource and reference guide which includes amongst others Internet sources and templates such as inventories, financial planning, parents' newsletters and agendas of staff meetings. It focuses especially on the South African context by referring to appropriate examples and scenarios of real-life situations in this country as well as the newly introduced Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS). It also offers practical applications for the many theoretical frameworks in South African schools. All the chapters in this second edition have been updated, and each one begins with learning outcomes and key terms. Education management in early childhood development is aimed at student teachers, educators, administrators and child caregivers.

In a clear and easy-to-understand style, BEGINNINGS AND BEYOND: FOUNDATIONS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, 10th Edition lays out basic questions any student of early childhood education -- including you -- would want answered. It also presents key concepts, the latest research, and practical examples so that questions are thoroughly answered. Coverage of the current Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) is woven throughout the text, as is material on diversity and development, which enables you to understand that issues of age, gender, race/ethnicity, ability, and family are part of every aspect of teaching and learning. Every chapter has a feature focused on how brain-based research is connected to development, and another that highlights intentional teaching. Through its tone, visuals, and pedagogy, the book is accessible to and respectful of readers with a range of abilities and learning styles.

For those involved with the education of infants, this book aims to offer enlightening educational truths and guidelines on the history of infant education. The author traces the history of infant education through the ages and compares the development of and provision for the education of infants in various countries.