Session Leader: Alison Cox

Accessibility and Usability

vFILS Session 4

Examples of ‘Inclusiveness’

penetratingthe curriculum

Review of ‘posts’

Examples identified after Session 3

• Any surprises?

• Any highlights?

• Any disappointments?

• Any lessons learned?

Education is ……?

Education is ….?The relationship between ‘teaching’ and ‘learning’ and ‘enquiry’:

• Information - the “what” element of learning

• Skills and strategies - the “how” element of learning

• Motivation and purpose - the “why” element of learning

The vFILS challenge

To offer/support the curriculum in ways that are:

• Accessible, stimulating and relevant for

• Individuals with diverse expectations and needs in

• Widely varied contexts, locations and environments

Equal? Alternate?

• Facilities and programmes are designed to avoid excluding individuals or groups

• Extra or ‘special’ arrangements are made to try and facilitate access in response to demand

Accessibility

• Equivalent (‘equal’) Access• Alternative Access•What’s the difference?• Examples…….

Auditing for Accessibility

• ETHOS• ACTIVITY• STRUCTURE• YOU!

Reasonable adjustments

Teaching approach/material

Purpose/task

Student characteristics

Implication/possible barrier

Adjustments/solutions

What is Usability?

Usability

• Explanation of the term ‘usability’?• The 5 characteristics of ‘usability’:

– EFFECTIVENESS– EFFICIENCY– RELEVANCE– SAFETY– COMFORT

‘Break-out’ Task

• Your 70 year old next door neighbour has asked you for advice – because she knows you’re “good with gadgets”! Her family have persuaded her to get a mobile phone. She values your opinion and is keen to make ‘the right decision’. What factors would inform and influence the advice you offer?

A conundrum for you!

• When does assistive technology become mainstream?

• Is mainstream technology ever adapted for assistive purposes?

• Answers in a forum post!

Assistive Technology Portfolio

• Collection of your reviews of Assistive Technology

• Stored online in a blog

What is it?

Assistive Technology Portfolio

• Application of learning

about Assistive Technology

• Development of critical thinking skills around Accessibility and

Usability

• Useful resource for you in future

What is it for?

Assistive Technology Portfolio

• 12 (or more) assistive technology reviews

• 7 different categories

• Complete over the duration of the vFILS course

• Deadlines for 3 posts, then 6 then 12.

• Full guidance on how to create your AT Portfolio is provided

What do I need to do?

Assistive Technology Portfolio

• Be critical

• Don’t just say what it does

• Use your own words

• Put it through its paces

• Develop your skills as you go along

Key points

Next time in the vFILS

Classroom...