Description Design for Interactive Learning Resources from Coursera

This course gives you easy access to an innovative description design framework used and created by experts in description design who design descriptions for highly interactive learning resources.

Interactive learning resources are common, fun, and effective tools that engage learners in the classroom and in remote learning environments. Many of these interactives rely on the visual display. This limits non-visual experiences, and makes many interactive learning resources inaccessible to learners with significant visual impairments or print- and graphics-related disabilities. Descriptions are verbalized text for supporting non-visual access.

This course will show you how to create descriptions, the verbalized text, needed to make interactive learning resources (interactives) accessible to learners who are blind or have a visual impairment (learners with BVI). The course weaves together concepts from inclusive design, web accessibility, and general best practices for description design for non-visual access. The main focus of the course is learning about and using the Description Design Framework created by design researchers at PhET Interactive Simulations.

Through a series of design tasks, each preempted with examples and demonstrations, the course walks you through how to design descriptions for an interactive of your choosing. While prior experience in web accessibility, interaction design, and description is useful, it is not required for this course. We share many examples from our work, and include tips and design patterns that we have created and actively use to describe our highly interactive science and math simulations. If you have an interest in creating descriptions for interactive learning resources, join us in this course. The Description Design Framework helps us take a methodical approach to the challenging task of designing descriptions for interactives, and we want to share what we know so others can design engaging descriptions that support non-visual access to interactive learning resources.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Description Design

In week 1 we introduce ourselves, the field of description, challenges for description design for interactives, and most importantly give you a quick walkthrough of the Description Design Framework we have created (and use) to design descriptions for highly interactive learning resources. Before moving on to module 2 you need to decide on what screen reader is appropriate for your use, install it if necessary, and choose an interactive to work on throughout the course. Choose a PhET Interactive from our list of suggestions, choose one from our website, or choose an interactive of your own. Make sure it is relatively simple. Let’s start small and learn big! Description design for interactives is both challenging and fun.

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Teaches skills, knowledge, and/or tools that are highly relevant in an academic setting

Taught by x, who are recognized for their work in x

Explores x, which is standard in industry y

Offers hands-on labs and interacive materials

Builds a strong foundation for beginners

Develops professional skills or deep expertise in a particular topic or set of topics

Reviews summary

Mastering description design for accessibility

According to students, this course offers a highly practical framework for creating verbalized text descriptions that make interactive learning resources accessible, especially for learners with visual impairments. Many found the hands-on design tasks and real-world examples from PhET to be extremely valuable in understanding and applying the concepts of State and Responsive Descriptions. While the course provides a solid foundation, some learners noted the initial setup of screen reader software or the self-directed choice of an interactive could be a slight hurdle, and a few desired more direct instructor feedback. Overall, it's considered an essential resource for those serious about inclusive design.

Good foundation, but some desired more advanced or simpler content.

"I felt it provided a solid foundation, but might not be deep enough for advanced users looking for optimization."

"The course provides a good introduction to description design, particularly the framework. I found some of the initial theory a bit dense, but the practical design tasks eventually helped solidify the ideas."

"I think I needed more direct guidance or perhaps a simpler initial interactive to work with. It might be better suited for someone already familiar with accessibility concepts."

Well-organized with valuable demonstrations and design patterns.

"A well-structured course with a clear progression from static to dynamic and responsive descriptions."

"The examples from PhET were invaluable, showing how these principles apply in real science and math simulations."

"The way they break down State and Responsive Descriptions is very clear."

Crucial course filling a gap in inclusive interactive design.

"Finally, a course that dives deep into description design for interactive content! This is a niche but incredibly important skill, and this course delivers."

"It truly equips you to make interactive resources accessible. A must for anyone designing educational simulations."

"Overall, a very informative course that sheds light on a critical area of inclusive design."

Hands-on framework for accessible design, highly valuable.

"This course is a game-changer for anyone serious about accessibility in e-learning. The Description Design Framework is incredibly practical and detailed, giving you a methodical approach to a complex task."

"The design tasks were hands-on and immediately applicable. I loved the focus on real-world examples from PhET, which made the concepts crystal clear."

"The framework is solid, and the concepts of static vs. dynamic states and object/context responses were well-explained with plenty of examples."

Some challenges with tech setup and self-directed project choice.

"My only minor gripe was getting the screen reader set up initially, but once past that, the content flowed well."

"Choosing my own interactive and relying on peer feedback was challenging. I think I needed more direct guidance or perhaps a simpler initial interactive to work with."

"While it required effort to apply the framework to my chosen interactive, the learning was significant."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Description Design for Interactive Learning Resources with these activities:

Practice writing in a clear and concise style

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Writing in a clear and concise style will help you to write better descriptions for interactive learning resources.

Browse courses on Writing

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Read articles and blog posts that are written in a clear and concise style.
Write short paragraphs or articles on your own.
Ask a friend or colleague to review your writing and provide feedback.

Review Universal Design Guidelines

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Knowing about universal design guidelines in advance will help you in the development of descriptions for interactive learning resources.

Browse courses on Universal Design

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Review the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines.
Review the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Read 'Universal Design for Learning'

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Understanding inclusive design concepts can help you create more accessible learning experiences.

View Universal Design for Learning: Theory and... on Amazon

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Order and read the book.

Six other activities

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Practice drafting static state descriptions

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Practicing writing state descriptions will improve your ability to describe interactive learning resources.

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Choose an interactive learning resource.
Identify the different states of the interactive.
Draft a static state description for each state.

Develop a description design document

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Creating a description design document will help you to organize and track your work on describing interactive learning resources.

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Create a new document.
Write a brief overview of the interactive learning resource.
List the different states of the interactive.
Write a static state description for each state.
Write a dynamic state description for each state.

Peer review of description design documents

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Getting feedback from peers on your description design document will help you to improve the quality of your work.

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Find a peer to review your description design document.
Exchange documents with your peer.
Provide feedback on your peer's document.
Revise your document based on the feedback you received.

Attend a workshop on description design

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Attending a workshop on description design will help you to learn more about the process and best practices.

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Find a workshop on description design.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop.
Take notes and ask questions.
Apply what you learned to your own work.

Contribute to an open-source description design project

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Contributing to an open-source description design project will help you to learn from others and contribute to the community.

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Find an open-source description design project.
Review the project's documentation.
Identify an area where you can contribute.
Make a contribution to the project.
Submit a pull request.

Design a description for an interactive learning resource of your choice

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Designing a description for an interactive learning resource will help you to apply the concepts you learned in this course.

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Choose an interactive learning resource.
Identify the different states of the interactive.
Write a static state description for each state.
Write a dynamic state description for each state.
Test your description with users.

Career center

Learners who complete Description Design for Interactive Learning Resources will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers design, develop, and deliver educational materials and programs. They use their knowledge of learning theory and instructional design principles to create effective and engaging learning experiences. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of instructional design, including how to create descriptions for interactive learning resources. This knowledge can be applied to the design of online courses, e-learning modules, and other interactive learning materials.

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Learning and Development Manager

Learning and Development Managers plan, develop, and implement training and development programs for employees. They use their knowledge of adult learning theory and instructional design principles to create effective and engaging learning experiences. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of instructional design, including how to create descriptions for interactive learning resources. This knowledge can be applied to the design of training programs, workshops, and other learning and development initiatives.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create user manuals, documentation, and other written materials that explain how to use products and services. They use their knowledge of technical writing principles and style guides to create clear and concise documentation. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of technical writing, including how to create descriptions for interactive learning resources. This knowledge can be applied to the writing of user manuals, documentation, and other technical writing materials.

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User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers design and evaluate the user experience of products and services. They use their knowledge of human-computer interaction and design principles to create user-friendly and engaging experiences. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of user experience design, including how to create descriptions for interactive learning resources. This knowledge can be applied to the design of websites, mobile apps, and other interactive products and services.

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Accessibility Specialist

Accessibility Specialists ensure that products and services are accessible to people with disabilities. They use their knowledge of accessibility standards and guidelines to identify and remove barriers to access. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of accessibility, including how to create descriptions for interactive learning resources. This knowledge can be applied to the evaluation and remediation of websites, mobile apps, and other interactive products and services.

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Instructional Technology Specialist

Instructional Technology Specialists use their knowledge of instructional design and technology to create and deliver effective and engaging learning experiences. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, universities, and corporate training departments. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of instructional design, including how to create descriptions for interactive learning resources. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of online courses, e-learning modules, and other interactive learning materials.

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E-Learning Developer

E-Learning Developers design and develop online courses and e-learning modules. They use their knowledge of instructional design and e-learning development tools to create effective and engaging learning experiences. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of instructional design, including how to create descriptions for interactive learning resources. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of online courses, e-learning modules, and other interactive learning materials.

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Curriculum Designer

Curriculum Designers develop and implement curriculum for schools and other educational institutions. They use their knowledge of curriculum design and development principles to create effective and engaging learning experiences. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of curriculum design, including how to create descriptions for interactive learning resources. This knowledge can be applied to the design and development of curriculum for schools, universities, and other educational institutions.

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Educational Technology Consultant

Educational Technology Consultants help schools and other educational institutions use technology to improve teaching and learning. They use their knowledge of educational technology and instructional design principles to provide guidance and support to educators. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of instructional design, including how to create descriptions for interactive learning resources. This knowledge can be applied to the provision of guidance and support to educators on the use of technology in the classroom.

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Instructional Coach

Instructional Coaches work with teachers to improve their teaching practice. They use their knowledge of instructional coaching and instructional design principles to provide guidance and support to teachers. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of instructional design, including how to create descriptions for interactive learning resources. This knowledge can be applied to the provision of guidance and support to teachers on the use of technology in the classroom.

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School Administrator

School Administrators oversee the operation of schools and other educational institutions. They use their knowledge of educational leadership and management principles to create and maintain effective and efficient learning environments. This course may be useful to School Administrators who are interested in learning more about the principles of instructional design, including how to create descriptions for interactive learning resources. This knowledge can be applied to the evaluation and selection of educational technology resources, and to the provision of guidance and support to teachers on the use of technology in the classroom.

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Teacher

Teachers plan and deliver instruction to students in schools and other educational institutions. They use their knowledge of teaching methods and curriculum to create and maintain effective and engaging learning environments. This course may be useful to Teachers who are interested in learning more about the principles of instructional design, including how to create descriptions for interactive learning resources. This knowledge can be applied to the design and delivery of instruction, and to the selection and use of educational technology resources.

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Educational Researcher

Educational Researchers conduct research on teaching and learning. They use their knowledge of research methods and educational theory to investigate how students learn and how teachers can best teach. This course may be useful to Educational Researchers who are interested in learning more about the principles of instructional design, including how to create descriptions for interactive learning resources. This knowledge can be applied to the design and conduct of research studies on teaching and learning.

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Program Manager

Program Managers plan and manage programs and projects. They use their knowledge of project management and program management principles to ensure that programs and projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards. This course may be useful to Program Managers who are interested in learning more about the principles of instructional design, including how to create descriptions for interactive learning resources. This knowledge can be applied to the design and management of programs and projects that involve the use of educational technology.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses and organizations make informed decisions. They use their knowledge of data analysis techniques and statistical methods to identify trends, patterns, and insights in data. This course may be useful to Data Analysts who are interested in learning more about the principles of instructional design, including how to create descriptions for interactive learning resources. This knowledge can be applied to the design and implementation of data analysis projects that involve the use of educational technology.

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