EDIT513: Inclusion and Access in Online Spaces

Unit Description

Digital learning environments should be accessible for all students, regardless of their abilities. Studying this unit, you will examine how digital technology can be used to support accessibility and usability in education, training or workplace settings. In this unit you will focus on the employment of Universal Design for Learning and User Experience (UX) design principles to support and enhance learning. You will also explore a range of software and hardware solutions that can be used to address potential barriers to learning.

Learning Objectives (Official)

At the end of this unit, you will be able to:

  1. critically discuss the accessibility and usability issues which arise in order to meet the needs of a diverse range of learners;
  2. identify potential barriers to learning in education, training or workplace settings;
  3. apply the design principles of Universal Design for Learning and User Experience to address issues of accessibility or usability; and
  4. describe a range of software and hardware solutions that can address key barriers to learning.

Human-readable Learning Objectives (Unofficial)

At the end of this unit, you will be able to:

  1. Explore technology use through the lens of access, inclusion, and equity
  2. Identify and address potential biases and barriers that may exist in the design of educational environments
  3. Identify appropriate technologies to empower learners
  4. Advocate and educate others about the importance and obligations for access and inclusion

What will I be doing?

Project (60%)

Your Project makes up the majority of your mark, and is iterative, meaning you’ll work on it as you progress through the unit, then revise it after our Assessment and Intensive Period.

Collaborative Activities (25%)

Collaborative activities can come in the form of discussions, collaborative activities and other tasks. Instructions for completion are housed in each section of the unit.

Formative Activities (15%)

Formative Activities will cover everything in the readings. You have a few options for what you can complete, from a quiz, to the creation of learning materials for future students.

Project Overview

Lesson Recommendations Report

Leadership at your institution has charged you with developing recommendations for a revision of a lesson or learning experience from an access, inclusion and choice perspective. You’re to look at and first critique a lesson / learning experience, then make recommendations for how it could be changed using specific technologies to do so. 


Time to devote to this project: 15 hours for every 2-week section of this unit

NOTE: For this project you can use and revisit an existing lesson you’ve ‘built’ either from EDIT426, EDIT 521 or another lesson you’ve taught.