Clemson Online: Where Tech and Teaching Meet

Building a Culture of Accessibility: Engaging Faculty and Students

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Creating accessible courses goes beyond meeting legal requirements—it’s about fostering a learning environment where all students have an equal opportunity to succeed. Each instructor has the power to contribute to a culture of accessibility, and when faculty and students work together toward this goal, they can enhance the learning experience for everyone. Here are some strategies that instructors can implement to establish a culture of accessibility in online course environments. 

Why Accessibility Awareness Matters

When accessibility is a shared priority, everyone benefits. Educators who integrate accessible practices design courses that are more adaptable and supportive, while students gain confidence in an environment that meets diverse needs. Accessible course design also supports a variety of learning styles, helping students engage more effectively with course material.

Strategies for Instructors to Enhance Accessibility

Use Available Accessibility Tools

Take advantage of Canvas’ built-in accessibility tools, such as YuJa Panorama or the Rich Content accessibility checker, which both work to streamline accessible design. These tools make it easier to check documents for screen reader compatibility, ensure enough color contrast and verify alt text is provided for images. By utilizing these tools as you build your online course, you’re directly supporting students who might rely on these features.

Encourage Accessible Assignments

Instructors can guide students in creating accessible assignments, such as captioning their own video submissions or ensuring that PowerPoint slides are clear and readable. Encouraging these practices can help students understand the importance of accessibility and contribute directly to creating an inclusive learning environment.

Highlight Accessibility Resources in Syllabus

Including a section in your syllabus dedicated to accessibility resources can help students feel informed and supported. Outline options such as how to reach out to Student Accessibility Services, access assistive digital technologies, and provide feedback on course accessibility. This sets the tone that accessibility is a priority in your course and lets students know their needs are recognized.

Foster a Community of Accessibility

Regularly discussing accessibility in the classroom or online forum can create a community where students feel comfortable voicing their needs and experiences. Consider establishing a forum or discussion post in Canvas where students can ask accessibility-related questions, offer suggestions, and share any challenges they face. This kind of open dialogue can encourage a more collaborative approach to accessible learning.

Recognize and Reward Accessibility Efforts

Celebrate students who make efforts to contribute to course accessibility, whether through providing captions for their video assignments, sharing notes with classmates, or suggesting ways to improve course design. Small recognitions, like a quick mention in discussion forums or an encouraging comment, can motivate students to continue engaging with the classroom’s culture of accessibility.

Engaging Students in Accessibility Within Courses

Students are invaluable partners in accessibility efforts. When they understand the positive impact of accessible practices, they become more invested in creating a supportive learning environment for themselves and their peers.

Incorporate Accessibility in Group Projects

If students work on group projects, encourage them to consider accessibility in their presentations and deliverables. For example, they could ensure all slides are visually clear, add captions to shared video content, or create text summaries for audio files. These practices make group projects more accessible and build awareness about digital accessibility among students.

Share the Benefits of Accessibility for All

Encourage students to see how accessible practices support everyone. Captioned videos, for instance, help students in noisy environments, while well-structured documents enhance clarity for all readers. Emphasizing these benefits helps students view accessibility as a positive contribution to their own learning experience, and will foster a culture of accessibility beyond the classroom environment. 

Sustaining a Culture of Accessibility in Your Courses

Building and maintaining a culture of accessibility involves ongoing commitment and open communication with your students. By focusing on accessibility within your courses, you’re directly contributing to a more inclusive learning experience for all students. Small changes can make a big difference, and if faculty and students work together, they can work to foster a supportive environment where everyone can succeed. Remember, if you need any assistance with digital accessibility in your classroom or have questions about how to get started, you can schedule a consultation with one of Clemson Online’s digital learning strategists.

Upcoming Events

Workshop Wednesday: Active Learning Tools in Canvas

Wednesday, November 13, 1:30-2:30pm

Active learning will help your learners stay engaged in your online course. Join this training to learn more about Canvas tools you can use to increase active learning in your course! Whether you have a specific question about active learning or want to see these Canvas tools demonstrated, this training opportunity is your time to work with one of our Digital Learning Strategists. If you have a specific question you want covered during this training, please enter it when you register.

Facilitated by Dara Abimbade, PhD, Digital Learning Strategist.

Registration: Workshop Wednesday: Active Learning Tools in Canvas

Workshop Wednesday: Applying Trauma-Informed Pedagogy in Your Online Course

Wednesday, November 20, 1:30-2:30pm

Join this training to learn about the impact that trauma can have on academic performance, trauma-informed pedagogy principles, and how you can apply those principles in your Canvas course design to ensure your learners have the opportunity to fully engage in your course. Whether you have a specific question about best practices for online teaching or want to learn more about trauma-informed pedagogy, this training has you covered. If you have a specific question you want covered during this training, please enter it when you register.

Facilitated by James Butler, Digital Learning Strategist.

Registration: Workshop Wednesday: Applying Trauma-Informed Pedagogy in Your Online Course

Clemson Online Fall 2024 Events Calendar

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Review our Fall 2024 Events Calendar to see what Online Instruction Development opportunities await!

We have a robust lineup of topics and live training formats to support your use of Canvas and other e-learning tools. Topics cover demonstrations of using Kaltura, engaging your students, and workshops to get your Canvas site ready to teach!

All of our live training is recorded. Registrants will automatically receive a link to that day’s video after it has been processed.

Contact Millie Tullis with any questions regarding these sessions.

Clemson Online – Where Tech and Teaching Meet