Throughout this course, various ways to enhance learning experiences were introduced. In each unit specific principles were shown and were expected to be implemented to improve digital content.
*In Unit 2 the POUR principles were discussed. The acronym POUR stands for content that is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. Digital content needs to be operable. Content that is operable can be successfully manipulated by all users, including people that may not use a keyboard and a mouse. In order to make digital content operable a webpage needs to make all elements accessible by use of a keyboard or a keyboard interface. It is also important that the webpage is easy to navigate with clear headings and structure.
The POUR principles focus on negating technical challenges with which many people struggle. Each principle addresses a common struggle that users may face. Adhering to these principles make sure that information is accessible to all learners.
*In Unit 3 an accessibility evaluation was introduced. It is important as an instructional designer to evaluate the accessibility of the digital learning material. Looking at a specific list of criteria and critically evaluating the instructional website will allow for a more user-friendly, inclusive environment.
When evaluating the GreenPath website, it was obvious various improvements needed to be made to improve the accessibility of the site. For example, each page was missing a title. This can make navigating the webpage confusing as the viewer might not know what is being addressed. With such a specific and detailed evaluation report template, it was easy to throughly look through the website and evaluate the accessibility. A good majority of the criteria was not met. With this, I was able to take each issue and alter it so that it adhered to the WCAG standards.
*In Unit 4, the accessibility evaluation (that was completed in unit 3) was used to make specific changes to the GreenPath website. For example, the issue of missing page titles was an easy fix. Each page was given a title for easier navigation. A more difficult change was that of adding closed-captions to the GreenPath Video. This was done by uploading the video to YouTube and manually listening to and typing in the audio. However, this improvement was essential to making the content more accessible.
The image above was the original GreenPath webpage.
The image above was after page titles were added and color contrast was improved to the GreenPath webpage.
*In Unit 5, Universal Design for Learning was the focus. The UDL Barrier Flow Chart was the guide for once again, improving the GreenPath webpage. After viewing the flow chart it was obvious the GreenPath Learning Hub was needing some inclusive and engaging modifications. A barrier that was identified via the UDL Flow Chart was removing a representation by "providing options for language, mathematical expression, and symbols." For example, GreenPath's goals listed on page one were far too lengthy and lacked understanding and engagement. This was improved by condensing the wording and by adding images for each goal to increase understanding.
The image above were GreenPath's original goals.
The image above are the revised goals based on the UDL flow chart.
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