Creating Course Websites
using Principles of Universal Instructional Design (UID)

Courses designed and delivered according to "Universal Instructional Design" principles are more accessible and effective for all people -- regardless of possible disability, learning style preference, or personal background.

Instructional materials and activities should
EXAMPLES FOR WEBSITE USED
WITH A FACE-TO-FACE CLASS
be accessible and fair.
  • Ensure that the course website and any other electronic resources used in the course are as technically accessible as possible.
  • Test them using Jaws and also through Bobby http://bobby.watchfire.com/bobby/html/en/index.jsp
be straightforward and consistent.
  • Keep navigation simple and straightforward.
  • Be consistent in labelling icons and other items.
  • Provide a site map.
provide flexibility in use, participation and presentation.
  • Prior to and/or directly after each classroom session provide a link to visual aides, handouts and summaries from the lecture.
be explicitly presented and readily perceived.
  • Ensure that web pages coded with HTML use <alt> tags for graphics.
provide a supportive learning environment.
  • Make a link from your course website to your personal website.
minimize unnecessary physical effort or requirements.
  • Avoid horizontal scrolling and use internal navigation (such as submenus and *return to top*) to reduce unnecessary vertical scrolling.
ensure a learning space that accommodates both students and instructional methods.
  • As you build your course, plan activities, and consider presentation of lecture topics, ask yourself whether face-to-face or web-based delivery would be better for any given learning objective or activity.

Top 10 Tips

  1. Consider these principles in terms of physical space and the overall student experience.

  2. Imagine yourself being unable to see, hear, move or otherwise keep pace with others. In this case, what would YOU wish your TAs and instructors would do?

  3. Make yourself available in a variety of ways, for example face-to-face and through email.

  4. Expand your techniques. For example, if you now like to answer questions through words then consider ways to add sketches on the black(white)board to explain concepts.

  5. Ask students for ideas.

  6. Discuss UID and your role with other instructors.

  7. Tell the students what you are trying to do. Mention it explicitly, especially at the first class session.

  8. Ask other instructors what they are doing.

  9. Attend Professional Development conferences and workshops.

  10. Never stop your own learning.

For further information please see the websites linked from http://www.tss.uoguelph.ca/uid/uidresources.html

© University of Guelph • Last Rev: December, 2003
Funded by the Learning Opportunities Task Force, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, Government of Ontario 2002-03.