How would you rate your learning experience if your instructors did not implement accessibility and universal design? Walk in a different learner’s shoes and collaborate with attendees on an assignment while temporarily experiencing learning barriers. We will also discuss statistics and strategies for effective online course design.
A Social Experiment: Navigating Learning in an Environment Not Designed for Your Needs aims to give attendees an insight into what it’s like for a student to manage learning challenges. Although it is our responsibility to ensure that students can participate in learning experiences, it is possible that we do not fully understand the importance from the student's perspective. Designing with accessibility in mind is essential because not all student report their need for accommodations to their higher education institutions. Ensuring that online courses are accessible supports all learners, whether they need accommodations or not. As faculty and staff, we serve as problem solvers as we work to support students. This presentation will show attendees what a student may have to go through if legal ADA guidelines are not followed.
Level of Participation: Upon arrival, attendees will be invited to sit at any table and encouraged to sit with new professionals to form new connections. Once everyone is seated, they will be given a sealed envelope with an assignment to complete and a learning barrier inside. Groups will be asked to collaborate and design a program, event, or training that promotes accessibility and universal design for learning. Each group will be given approximately 10-15 minutes to discuss while temporarily experiencing a learning barrier. Examples include the instructions written in a different language or the way a person with dyslexia would read them or participating in the activity blindfolded or with ear plugs. At the end of the activity, the presenter will facilitate a discussion and allow attendees to share their experiences. After the group conversation, the presenter will show a brief video from their institution on disability accommodations and share current statistics related to the topic, followed by practical strategies to implement accessibility and universal design in online courses.
Session Goals: This activity aims to inspire attendees to use empathy when designing online courses for learners and to understand the significance of accessibility in course design fully. This presentation also aims to give attendees a new appreciation for accessible guidelines and strategies. Accessibility checklists will be printed on bookmarks and available as a takeaway.