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Taliesin L. Smith
and
Emily Moore
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
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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.
Read more
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.
Read more
State Descriptions: An Overview and Design Patterns for Static States
This week we define and explore the framework’s State Descriptions: Static States (the descriptions that do not change) and Dynamic States (the descriptions that change to maintain an accurate current state). Inclusive design and web accessibility concepts are woven in as needed as we begin to focus on access for non-visual learners. We cover design patterns 1, 2, 3, and 4, and share examples from our work. You will gain an understanding of the different ways we use State Descriptions to frame and encourage interaction. This week we will also focus on the static side of State Descriptions, defining Static State Descriptions (the descriptions that do not change). The Design Tasks this week focus on analyzing the visual design and using the design patterns and examples to get you drafting Static State Descriptions. You will draft names for interactive objects, draft an introductory summary (or scene summary), decide on the best navigation order, and draft hints and help texts. We have Interactive Description Design Templates that you can use to organize your descriptions, so you are able to share your design ideas with your peers in the course and elsewhere. You are encouraged to use the discussion area to engage with others taking the course, and to submit examples of your descriptions for peer review, so you can get feedback.
State Descriptions Continued: Design Patterns for Dynamic States and Description Design Iteration
This week we focus on the dynamic side of State Descriptions, defining Dynamic State Descriptions (the descriptions that change to maintain an accurate current state), and cover State Description design patterns 5, 6, and 7. We introduce “Qualitative Scales” and provide examples on how to design and document dynamic parameters for dynamic state descriptions. We use examples of the scales we have already designed and encourage you to explore, reuse, and adapt these in your own designs. The Design Tasks focus on analyzing different states of your chosen interactive. You will draft dynamic state descriptions and the associated scales needed for them in the Design Tasks. In the second half of the week we begin to discuss strategies for refinement starting with Design Pattern 7, and then outline aspects of the writing style we embrace in our work. We encourage you to keep your design doc up-to-date and organized as you iterate and work through your ideas. You are encouraged to use the discussion area to engage with others taking the course, and to submit examples of your descriptions to get feedback. In week 5 and 6 we cover more formal evaluation methods.
Responsive Descriptions
This week we change our perspective to what happens when a learner takes action. We define and explore the framework’s Responsive Descriptions: the descriptions that communicate changes to interactive objects as they happen (Object Responses) and communicate simultaneous changes happening to the surrounding context as a result (Context Responses). Taking an interactive perspective is key to learning how to describe "what's happening as it happens". Through demonstrations we highlight how Object and Context Responses come together to capture the “relevant changes”. The design tasks challenge you to carefully analyze what changes happen in your interactive as you interact with it, then ask you to draft Object and Context responses. Be sure to review the learning goals of your interactive, and we recommend starting with simple or standard interactions that may even be secondary to the interactive’s learning goals. Once simple interactions are clear focus on the primary interactions - the interactions that are required for exploring concepts that may lead to achieving the learning goals.
Putting it All Together
This week we begin to evaluate how the State and Responsive Descriptions work together to create an interactive story-like experience. We want our designs to support learners to intuitively interact, ultimately enabling them to freely explore the learning concepts presented in the interactive. We will cover two specific evaluation methods that are particularly useful for evaluating description designs without a working prototype. We encourage learners to evaluate and iterate on the description designs for their chosen interactive and to organize them in such a way that the ideas can be shared with others (reminder: we provide templates of our Description Design Documents). In addition, we cover some things that description designers may be asked to do once the description design is implemented and being prepared for publication (e.g., sharing with an intended audience).
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Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
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
Save this course
Save Description Design for Interactive Learning Resources to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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
Show steps
Writing in a clear and concise style will help you to write better descriptions for interactive learning resources.
Browse courses on
Writing
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Knowing about universal design guidelines in advance will help you in the development of descriptions for interactive learning resources.
Browse courses on
Universal Design
Show steps
-
Review the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines.
-
Review the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Read 'Universal Design for Learning'
Show steps
Understanding inclusive design concepts can help you create more accessible learning experiences.
View
Universal Design for Learning: Theory and...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Order and read the book.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Practice drafting static state descriptions
Show steps
Practicing writing state descriptions will improve your ability to describe interactive learning resources.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Creating a description design document will help you to organize and track your work on describing interactive learning resources.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Getting feedback from peers on your description design document will help you to improve the quality of your work.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Attending a workshop on description design will help you to learn more about the process and best practices.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Contributing to an open-source description design project will help you to learn from others and contribute to the community.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Designing a description for an interactive learning resource will help you to apply the concepts you learned in this course.
Show steps
-
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.
Practice writing in a clear and concise style
Show steps
Writing in a clear and concise style will help you to write better descriptions for interactive learning resources.
Browse courses on
Writing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Knowing about universal design guidelines in advance will help you in the development of descriptions for interactive learning resources.
Browse courses on
Universal Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines.
- Review the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Read 'Universal Design for Learning'
Show steps
Understanding inclusive design concepts can help you create more accessible learning experiences.
View
Universal Design for Learning: Theory and...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Order and read the book.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Practice drafting static state descriptions
Show steps
Practicing writing state descriptions will improve your ability to describe interactive learning resources.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Creating a description design document will help you to organize and track your work on describing interactive learning resources.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Getting feedback from peers on your description design document will help you to improve the quality of your work.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Attending a workshop on description design will help you to learn more about the process and best practices.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Contributing to an open-source description design project will help you to learn from others and contribute to the community.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Designing a description for an interactive learning resource will help you to apply the concepts you learned in this course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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 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.
Learning and Development Manager
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.
Technical Writer
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.
User Experience Designer
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.
Accessibility Specialist
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.
Instructional Technology Specialist
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.
E-Learning Developer
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.
Curriculum Designer
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.
Educational Technology Consultant
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.
Instructional Coach
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.
School Administrator
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.
Teacher
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.
Educational Researcher
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.
Program Manager
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.
Data Analyst
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/f6adkf/description
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Description Design for Interactive Learning Resources.
Provides a reference guide to inclusive design patterns. It covers topics such as how to design for different disabilities, how to use assistive technologies, and how to test and evaluate accessibility.
Provides a practical guide to making websites accessible to people with disabilities. It covers topics such as how to create accessible content, how to use assistive technologies, and how to test and evaluate accessibility.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of ADHD, covering topics such as the different types of ADHD, the causes of ADHD, and the different ways to treat ADHD. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding ADHD.
Provides a theoretical and practical overview of interactive learning, covering topics such as the design, implementation, and evaluation of interactive learning environments. It useful resource for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of sensory processing disorder, covering topics such as the different types of sensory processing disorders, the causes of sensory processing disorders, and the different ways to treat sensory processing disorders. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding sensory processing disorders.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of dyslexia, covering topics such as the different types of dyslexia, the causes of dyslexia, and the different ways to treat dyslexia. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding dyslexia.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of learning theories, covering a wide range of topics such as behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the different theories of learning.
Provides a practical guide to creating effective learning environments, covering topics such as classroom design, teaching strategies, and assessment. It valuable resource for anyone interested in improving their teaching practice.
Provides a clear and concise overview of the major theories of learning, covering topics such as behaviorism, cognitivism, and social constructivism. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the different theories of learning.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/f6adkf/description
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Effort
5 weeks of study
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructors
Taliesin L. Smith
Emily Moore
Language
English
Good to know
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
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