How will your interactive learning resource specifically ensure that the needs of all learners can be met?
Creating an interactive learning resource takes time and effort to ensure the needs of all learners can be met. A crucial part about designing a learning resource is to prioritize an easy, adaptable process where flexibility and accessibility is put into consideration. This would make the content more enjoyable for the learner as well as enhance the engagement with the content provided.
My interactive learning resource will prioritize the learners’ needs. Utilizing text, audio, video, peer-to-peer discussions, and other interactive and engaging content will 100% contribute to their learning success. As mentioned, it is essential to consider how learners’ diverse learning styles function to ensure adaptability and flexibility in engaging with the content. A Universal Design for Learning (UDL) will also be used, offering two different choices of teaching methods, either synchronous or asynchronous teaching models. Moreover, learners have the option to customize their preferred visuals to optimize their learning capabilities (Inclusive Learning Design, ILD) such as font size and playback speeds.
To maintain an engaging material, a mandatory survey after the end of each week shall be submitted. This would allow each student to explain their understanding and for the instructors to determine if the content is engaging. Additionally, an interactive platform to communicate between learners and instructors can keep the students motivated and goal oriented.
To focus more about adaptability and flexibility I want my learners to be stress-free. I plan to steer away from heavy graded assessments because it can be intimidating and stressful for students. Personally, I despise high-stake exams. I understand that exams like these show how much understanding the students have about the content. Instead, alternatives such as journals, weekly short quizzes, and projects that contain flexible deadlines, along with a supportive instructor are more engaging and have a better learning success rate than a high-stake exam where the students feel hated, especially if the instructor is a hard marker.
Lastly, providing a clear navigation on the course website with clear and simple instructions on each assignment will be much more enjoyable for the student especially when a support system is present to provide guidance whenever the student feels lost.
I am confident to say that my interactive learning resource will ensure students are full of enjoyment and engagement with the material, and achieve learning success.
References
Meyer, Anne, et al. Universal Design for Learning: Theory and Practice. CAST Professional Publishing, an Imprint of CAST, Inc., 2014, UDL Theory Practice, retrieved from: udltheorypractice.cast.org/
Right to Education – Inclusive Education, retrieved from: https://www.inclusiveeducation.ca/learn/right-to-education/
Your interactive learning resource is thoughtfully designed with inclusivity and engagement in mind! The emphasis on flexibility, accessibility, and multiple learning formats ensures that all learners can find a method that works best for them. Using UDL principles and offering both synchronous and asynchronous options is a fantastic way to support diverse learning needs. The focus on reducing stress through alternative assessments is also a great approach to growing a positive learning environment. Well done!