2004 Summer Institute : Final Report
Universal Design of Online Learning
Shelley Kinash, BA, MSc, PhD
Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies
University of Calgary
Abstract
Universal design is “the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design” (North Carolina State University, 1997). Research shows that when designers and instructors alter online courses to meet the needs of disabled students, the courses improve for all of the students. Curb-cuts -- the portion of the sidewalk that rests flush with the street -- were instituted for people in wheelchairs, but are more commonly used by cyclists and parents pushing strollers. Electronic curb-cuts, such as communication tools that are accessible to the blind, also benefit students with dial-up modems and those who are not technologically proficient. Universally designed courses are accessible, interactive and simple. The technology virtually disappears into the background, retaining a focus on course content. This session is informed by qualitative research with seven blind online learners studying through five different Canadian and U.S. post-secondary institutions, and subsequent application changing the way in which the researcher/professor teaches online. The session will be supplemented with audio-visual demonstration of course design, tips for the design of interactive online learning, the student experience, and assistive technologies.
Shelley Kinash, BA, MSc, PhD
Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies
Faculty of Education
University of Calgary
EdT413 2500 University Drive NW
Calgary AB T2N 1N4
220-3679 Ph
220-6494 F
kinash@ucalgary.ca
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