Presented at 8:00am in Mattie Silks on Thursday, November 9, 2023.
#38051Speaker(s)
- Rachel Elliott, Teaching & Learning Consultant, University of Texas at San Antonio
- Vanessa Garza, Learning Experience Accessibility Specialist, University of Texas at San Antonio
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: All Levels
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
In this presentation the Digital Accessibility Team at the University of Texas at San Antonio will discuss how we applied Universal Design for Learning principles in a course designed with Virtual Reality content. We will share our lessons learned and recommendations for addressing accessibility concerns when utilizing VR content in course design.
Abstract
In this presentation the Digital Accessibility Team at the University of Texas at San Antonio will focus on the application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in a course that contains Virtual Reality (VR) content. As the use of VR technology in education continues to grow, it is important to ensure that we consider accessibility of hardware, the accessibility of the content, and some possible implications of the application of VR.
The presentation will provide insights into our experience collaborating with instructional designers and subject matter experts to design courses that contain VR content, and the solutions implemented by the Digital Accessibility Team to address accessibility concerns. The team will share their lessons learned and recommendations for applying UDL Principles in course design, to create an inclusive learning environment that benefits all learners.
The presentation will cover topics such as assessing VR content and technology for accessibility and utilizing UDL principles to address accessibility barriers in VR content. The Digital Accessibility Team will also discuss the importance of involving students with disabilities in the design process, to ensure that their needs are met and to gain valuable feedback on the effectiveness of the use of VR to meet the overall learning objectives for the course.
This presentation will be beneficial for faculty and instructional designers who are interested in utilizing VR content in their courses, but are concerned about accessibility. Individuals involved with creating or remediating accessible media would also benefit from this presentation.
Keypoints
- Accessibility must be a priority when integrating VR technology into course design.
- UDL principles can serve as a guide to address accessibility barriers in VR content
- Including disabled students in VR course design is crucial
Disability Areas
All Areas
Topic Areas
Accessible Course Design, Accessible Educational Materials, Captioning/Transcription, Uncategorized, Universal Design for Learning
Speaker Bio(s)
Rachel Elliott
Rachel Elliott, based in San Antonio, Texas, is a seasoned Teaching & Learning Consultant at The University of Texas at San Antonio, where she has significantly contributed to enhancing faculty engagement and knowledge retention. With a Master of Arts in Rhetoric & Composition from Texas State University, Rachel has over four years of experience in professional development facilitation, stakeholder management, and Learning Management System (LMS) support.
At UTSA, she has implemented diverse learning methodologies aligned with emerging research trends. Rachel is skilled in developing effective training strategies that connect learning to business priorities, driving desired outcomes. She has also been instrumental in analyzing course evaluation data to improve the content and effectiveness of various initiatives, including grants and faculty development programs.
Vanessa Garza
Vanessa worked as an educator, developer, and instructional designer before developing a passion for creating accessible content in higher education. Vanessa currently focuses on training and supporting faculty to create accessible content and promote a culture of inclusive education.