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