Presented at 9:15am in Gov Square 15 (Lab) on Friday, November 19, 2021.
#33957Speaker(s)
- Laura Jervis, Instructional Designer, University of Florida
- Stephanie Richardson, Instructional Developer, University of Florida
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: Beginner
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
Many instructors in higher education don't yet have the knowledge and skills to create accessible digital course content. We will explore examples of trainings about common accessibility issues for a beginner audience. See how the University of Florida helps instructors move towards applying basic accessibility strategies.
Abstract
The University of Florida's Center for Instructional Technology and Training within UF Information Technology has developed a suite of asynchronous online trainings to help instructors and staff build skills in basic digital accessibility, such as adding alternative text and utilizing heading structures. These three workshops provide some flexibility for participants in terms of commitment and relevant technologies and are unique in that two of them are self-facilitated with no time limits while the third is facilitated with in-depth feedback. Peek inside the trainings to see how we explain beginners techniques for different audiences to help them practice implementing best practices in an introductory but authentic way. We will explain the thought process behind our development choices that are geared towards pushing faculty and staff towards sustainable, incremental changes while avoiding cognitive overload that may prevent them from making progress.
Keypoints
- Instructors frequently feel intimidated by digital accessibility or think they lack time to improve content.
- Staff resources sometimes do not allow for facilitating enough accessibility trainings to reach everyone.
- Offering both facilitated and self-facilitated trainings can make digital accessibility feel more achievable.
Disability Areas
All Areas
Topic Areas
Accessible Course Design, Accessible Educational Materials, Faculty Development & Support, Teaching about Accessibility in Curriculum, Uncategorized
Speaker Bio(s)
Laura Jervis
Laura Jervis has a bachelor’s of science in journalism and a master’s in bilingual/bicultural education from the University of Florida. Before finding instructional design, she taught academic English to post-secondary language learners. Now she applies her teaching experience and her passion for equity and inclusion to the work she does to support UF faculty.
Stephanie Richardson
Stephanie joined the UF Computing Help Desk in the Fall of 2014 within the Sakai-Canvas Migration Team which was tasked with moving courses from Sakai to Canvas. After the migration project had been successfully completed, she transitioned into a full-time End User II position within e-Learning Support before joining the CITT in Fall 2019. Stephanie is passionate about helping and teaching people and learning about different cultures. She is currently working towards her M.Ed. in ESOL/Bilingual Education at the University of Florida. She also really enjoys travelling and working out (when she has time…).