USING TECHNOLOGY EFFECTIVELY TO REACH ALL
LEARNERS
How to Incorporate UDL into Technology to Reduce
Cognitive Load
Why is UDL Critical to Technology?
15 percent of the population five years old and over have one or more disabilities
40 percent of the population over sixty five years old and older have one or more disabilities
It is your responsibility and legal obligation to make technology accessible to all
What Causes Cognitive Overload?
Difficulty and frustration using technologyOverload of new information presentedNot tying information to prior knowledgeNonessential and confusing informationCluttered or poorly organized presentationInaccessible for individuals with disabilities
How Can You Design Technology to Help?
Consider students firstReduce exertion or stress using technologyUse well-organized design schemesMatch needs of learners to devices availableIncrease convenience of navigationPrevent cognitive overload
Consider Learners with Invisible Disabilities
ADHD and Autism-avoid background noise, no blinking icons, no pop-ups, avoid nonliteral terms, make brief, provide consistency
Dyslexia-consistent navigational schemes, menu tabs, use helpful fonts
Emotional and intellectual disabilities-chunk information, don’t ask to summarize
Consider Learners with Visible Disabilities
Vision disabilities-ensure readability with screen reader, avoid forcing to use mouse, use meaningful alternate text, use proper color contrast
Physical disabilities-Compatible to voice activated computers, no flickering or flashing
Hearing disabilities-ability to print transcript
Enable Assistive Technology Compatibility
Provide access to computers through switches, expanded keyboards, screen readers, interpreters
Increase productivity through software or devices to improve function of individuals
Make augmentative communication available to help individuals communicate with others
Reduce Physical Effort
Enable access with on screen keyboardProvide mouse keysMake presentation fit screen and avoid
scrollingPosition controls for efficient use of timeLabel keys to highlight options
Reduce Linguistic Effort
No jargonAvoid figurative languageCheck accessibility with translation toolLimit words, only state what is necessaryUse pictures to help convey meaningInclude vocabulary assistance
Avoid Confusion or Stress
Filter distractionsLimit length of attention requiredEliminate simultaneous tasksEasy to navigate designReduce clutter, get to the pointGive mind space to digest
Ease of Use
Avoid unnecessary security settingsReduce file size so loads quicklyProvide supporting toolsIncorporate navigational mapEnsure links functional
Provide Assistive Navigation
Include bookmarks and make sure taggedAllow users to alter variables and choose
sequenceMake sure links make sense out of contextProvide headers for data tablesAllow user to skip repetitive elementsUse true headings and table of contents
Proper Handling of Images
Describe meaning of image not appearanceAdd alternate textUse visuals to support wordsDo not use background images behind textFor autistic spectrum disorders, avoid human
facesAvoid animated and flashing images
Align Information to Prior Experience
Chunk information into bite-size piecesAdd one new concept at a timeTie new concept to prior knowledgeBalance instruction to learner centered
activityDesign to aid memory with practiceEngage learners with real life relationships
Conclusion
Remember, less is moreFollow UDL and 508 guidelinesIf not necessary, delete itTie to prior knowledgeAvoid distractionMake accessible to all
Image Credits
All images within this power point are free and legal for educators to use, and can be found at Link to pictures from site tech for learning . Proper citations below.
Classroom full of students using computers-Carey, Chris. ocps005.jpg. . Pics4Learning. 4 Apr 2012 Picture of cluttered, hard to understand screen-Bias, Gene. ocps037.jpg. . Pics4Learning. 4 Apr 2012
Peaceful safe path in woods-Oaks, Linda. maplevalleygarden.jpg. 2008. Pics4Learning. 4 Apr 2012
Roomful of varied students working on computers-O'Doan, Debbie. techproj1.jpg. 6-Mar-02. Pics4Learning. 4 Apr 2012
Sign pointing out directions-Struck, Brett. dscn0052.jpg. June 16, 2009. Pics4Learning. 4 Apr 2012
Top Related