Learning Plan
Questions to Inform Design
- How can I provide students with options for how they interact with the content and how content is presented?
- How can I make key points clear and stand out?
- How can I weave in my students’ personal experiences with the course content?
- How can I encourage students to take ownership of their learning?
- How can I encourage an instructor-student connection and provide options for interaction?
Resources for Support
Creating Effective Collaborative Learning Groups in an Online Environment
Six Strategies for Differentiated Instruction in Project-Based Learning
Reflect on unique learner needs using Universal Design Through Multiple Lenses job aid.
Checkpoints for Universal Design
- Course content/activities allow for differentiation depending on student need.
- Opportunities exist for students to weave in critical thinking, opinion, and personal experience into course activities.
- Course content/activities allow for multiple options for how students may choose to access material.
- Course materials are clear and key points highlighted.*
- Multiple opportunities for interaction between instructor-student and student-student are provided.*
- Course materials are accessible or equivalent alternatives are provided (see media accessibility checks below).*
- Assessment instructions are clear and described in simple, level-appropriate, consistent and familiar terms (avoid ambiguous words and excessive wordiness).*
- Multiple models or examples of performance are provided as additional guidance for students.
Media Accessibility Checks
- Video: Synchronized captions are included. Descriptive text is included when video demonstration is not coupled with audio.
- Audio: Text transcripts are provided.
- Images: Alternate text is included (unless image is decorative and has no meaning related to the content).
- Word Docs: Correct formatting is followed, including use of appropriate headings. Images include alternative text.
- PDF Docs: Correct formatting is followed and reading order is touched up as needed. Images include alternative text.
- Visual Design:
- Color alone is not used to denote meaning.
- Blocks of text have adequate spacing (1.5 times line spacing is ideal
- Images and text have an appropriate contrast ratio of 4.5:1
- Font size and color is readable.