Incorporating universal design principles into your ELMS-Canvas-Canvas course design makes it accessible to a diverse range of learners. The following examples of online and classroom activities are based on nine (9) universal design principles and can help you to create a more accessible and inclusive learning experience for all of your students.
Principle 1: Equitable use
The design is useful and marketable to wide and diverse abilities.
Example in the classroom
- Ensure course content is accessible to allow equal learning opportunities.
- Use assistive technologies and accommodations if necessary.
Example in ELMS-Canvas-Canvas
- Ensure course is accessible to all.
- Design components for low bandwidth usage.
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Principle 2: Flexibility in use
The design accommodates a wide range of preferences and abilities.
Example in the classroom
- Design activities and assignments that allow choices.
- Use a variation of text, multimedia and other visual representation of content.
Example in ELMS-Canvas-Canvas
- Give students choice for submission format (infographic, text, video, presentation).
- Design variation in submission format for each assignment.
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Principle 3: Simple and intuitive
The design is simple and easy to understand regardless of ability.
Example in the classroom
- Provide clear direction and expectations for assignments and activities.
Example in ELMS-Canvas-Canvas
- Provide expectations through rubrics.
- Provide detailed, clear directions.
- Use simple course design.
- Declutter front page.
- Use a modular format to display and access content.
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Principle 4: Perceptible information
The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user regardless of ability.
Example in the classroom
- Use video or audio recording of live lectures.
- Display content in a variety of methods (presentation, audio, video, graphics).
- Share lecture notes with others.
Example in ELMS-Canvas
- Provide access to lecture content ahead of time.
- Provide multiple formats of content (visual, audio, video, text, graphics).
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Principle 5: Tolerance for error
The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of unintended consequences.
Example in the classroom
- Use student response systems, anonymous surveys for feedback.
- Provide feedback and allow resubmission with revisions.
Example in ELMS-Canvas
- Use online peer review.
- Allow multiple attempts for submissions.
- Enable editing of asynchronous content.
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Principle 6: Low physical effort
The design can be used effectively with minimal effort.
Example in the classroom
- Simplify assignments and activities.
- Break down assignments into multiple steps.
- Use decorative content only if it adds value to the content.
Example in ELMS-Canvas
- Organize content in a modular format.
- Ensure minimal effort to access content.
- Integrate third party tools into the online environment.
- Ensure that all tools are compatible with user's hardware.
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Principle 7: Size and space for approach and use
The design has consideration for appropriate size and space.
Example in the classroom
- Arrange teaching space for easy physical access.
- Ensure room is comfortable (temperature, line of sight).
Example in ELMS-Canvas
- Arrange content for simple access.
- Break up large content into smaller chunks.
- Consider low bandwidth access for digital content.
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Principle 8: Community of learners
The design promotes interaction and communication amongst student and instructors.
Example in the classroom
- Integrate social media tools.
- Provide opportunities for peer networking.
Example in ELMS-Canvas
Promote interaction with:
- Synchronous collaboration tools (Google Docs).
- Asynchronous discussion.
- Student group areas.
- Virtual classroom.
- Video conferencing.
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Principle 9: Instructional climate
Design instruction to be welcoming and inclusive. High expectations are espoused for all students.
Example in the classroom
- Engage with students regularly.
- Provide regular and timely feedback.
- Maintain the same expectations for all students.
Example in ELMS-Canvas
- Engage with students within the on line space.
- Set same expectations for all students.
- Provide easy access to the instructor.
- Ensure a reasonable response time to students inquiries.
Adapted from "Best practices for building Universal Design principles into your Canvas courses," Simon Fraser University.
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