I believe that media and multimedia play a very important role in a learning environment that is designed with UDL guidelines. By incorporating accessibility multimedia design factors into learning environments can lead to an increased learning experience for every learner. Engagement represents the WHY of learning, which means building user controls into media and multimedia, so learners gain control over the speed in which they learn. Representation is the WHAT of learning, which provides alternative ways in delivering the information in a way that is customizable to the learners. Kim Holmes developed 3 inclusive design principles; recognize exclusion, solve for one extend for many, and learn from diversity. I believe that if every educator, corporation, and company implemented these principles into their systems the world would become a more accessible and inclusive place for people affected by different disabilities. Aligning with these guidelines is the promising practice of using simple language through text, avoiding unnecessary jargon throughout the text which could complicate the message that is trying to be portrayed. Allowing learners to have full playback control, giving them the opportunity to control the pace, and rewind videos as needed allow them to be able to watch and learn from the videos at their own pace. Through the use of images, adding an alternate, descriptive text to an image for those who cannot see the page allows for the information to be more accessible to all. Kat Holmes said it best stating that “disability isn’t a lack of ability, it’s a mismatch between a person’s abilities and their environment.”
Here is a video describing the UDL in more depth and what it is.
Hi Megan! Thanks for sharing. I noticed we made a lot of the same points which is awesome. I agree with you that implementing a more inclusive and accessible learning design would create improved educational as well as corporate/professional environments, that foster equality. The video you included in your post was a great addition. I found it to be captivating, engaging, and informative. Its nice to have a balance between written work, images, as well as videos.
Hey Megan! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on universal design. I also believe that by adding more accessibility into our learning environments, would enhance the learning experience for everyone. Great point bringing up Kim Holmes’ 3 inclusive design principles. I think these principles should be followed more as it would help make material more inclusive to those that need the extra bit of help. Kat Holmes’ quote “disability isn’t a lack of ability, it’s a mismatch between a person’s abilities and their environment.” is an amazing point and really hits home for me. Lastly, I think you might have forgot to include your references so just remember to edit the post and add them!
Thanks for sharing,
Kevin Song