Introduction
Different learners have different needs. This is often exacerbated when a course is delivered with material in an online format. Some learners have physical limitations (e.g. visual or auditory deficits); others have learning issues (e.g. dyslexia or ADHD); and a few may have computer system incompatibilities (e.g. Mac vs. PC). No matter what the issue might be, as instructors we should always strive to reach out to as many different learners as possible. In this module, we will be examining many of the learner considerations that need to be addressed with your course design.
Student Learning Objectives
After completing this module, you should be able to:
- List characteristics of students in the various categories of learning styles.
- Identify file formats that are compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems.
- Locate the LCCC policies for accessibility.
- List college services that provide assistance for those with physical or learning disabilities.
- Identify features that are included in Principles of Universal Design for online course materials.
- Be aware of ANGEL features that help make your course content more accessible to learners with various disabilities.
- Identify information that should be included in your syllabus related to accessibility.
Quality Matters Recommendations
Quality Matters devotes a whole standards category, along with a few additional individual standards, to accessibility issues:
- Standard 6.4: Students can readily access the technologies required in the course.
- Standard 7.3: Course instructions articulate or link to an explanation of how the institution's academic support services and resources can help students succeed in the course and how students can access the services.
- Standard 7.4: Course instructions articulate or link to an explanation of how the institution's student support services can help students succeed and how students can access the services.
- Standard 8.1: The course employs accessible technologies and provides guidance on how to obtain accommodation.
- Standard 8.2: The course contains equivalent alternatives to auditory and visual content.
- Standard 8.3: The course design facilitates readability and minimizes distractions.
- Standard 8.4: The course design accommodates the use of assistive technologies.
