Designing a Learning Experience for EXSM 3929 - Digital Accessibility

EXSM 3929 is a course that trains web designers, developers, and digital professionals on digital accessibility, fostering empathy and providing practical knowledge on incorporating accessibility into designs and applications.

Introduction

EXSM 3929 is a course aimed at instilling the principles of human-centered and universal design with a focus on digital accessibility. The curriculum, designed for web designers, developers, digital marketing professionals, curriculum designers, content creators, and administrative staff, emphasizes accessibility techniques, best practices, and relevant standards. In addition, the course fosters empathy towards diverse user needs and seeks to eliminate barriers for people with disabilities.

Digital accessibility enables all users to navigate websites or native applications by mitigating or removing technology usage restrictions due to visual, auditory, speech, physical, or neurological barriers. This course trains you to incorporate accessibility into designing, planning, and marketing websites, applications, and forms. It also explores human-centered design principles and the universal design process, particularly focusing on rich media accessibility for people with disabilities.

Course Cohorts

Course Design

The course promotes an understanding of digital accessibility needs and best practices. Weekly discussions stimulate open dialogue on technical topics related to best practices, providing a platform for sharing experiences and asking questions.

Students prepare for these discussions by reviewing preselected course resources (often readings). They are expected to engage with these materials and maintain a weekly journal of reflections. Assignments from the third week allow students to showcase their knowledge of technical topics. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a fundamental resource throughout the course.

Instructional Approach

The instructor’s role involves recording videos for each module and moderating the weekly discussions. Facilitating these discussions without resorting to lecture-style teaching can be challenging. Therefore, students are expected to prepare weekly to participate in the discussions actively. The instructor also grades assignments and provides email support.

Conclusion

EXSM 3929 is a compelling course that often leads to insightful discussions about “good design.” In addition, students frequently experience enlightening “a-ha” moments. By the course’s end, students will have a solid understanding of digital accessibility principles and the ability to discern and discuss technical best practices.

Updates

• Fall 2023
  • Re-record all videos
• EXSM 3929 LEC SP1 - Spring 2023 - Digital Accessibility
  • Developed a checklist for refreshing course materials for each cohort