Science & Social Sciences
Hands on Training icon
Hands On Training
Hands on Training icon

Online Teaching: Accessibility and Inclusive Learning

Course Cover
compare button icon

Course Features

icon

Duration

12 weeks

icon

Delivery Method

Online

icon

Available on

Lifetime Access

icon

Accessibility

Mobile, Desktop

icon

Language

English

icon

Subtitles

English

icon

Level

Advanced

icon

Teaching Type

Instructor Paced

Course Description

This microcredential is for educators and professionals in education. It teaches them how to design online learning that is inclusive and accessible.

The Open University's online teaching experts will guide you in developing the legal and technological knowledge necessary to make your online courses more accessible.

Online teaching can present new challenges, but online learning can be a great way to study with the right planning and insight.

This course will teach you blended teaching strategies that combine online learning with face-to-face teaching.

Learn how technology and new innovations can improve education for millions of students with disabilities, including hearing impairments, visual impairments, speech language impairments, communication needs, and physical disabilities.

You can help all students study effectively online by assisting them with technology. This will allow you to overcome the major challenges of teaching in an unpredictable world, and create a more welcoming environment for your online class.

You'll learn how to evaluate online learning practices and respond to feedback from learners who find elements of teaching inaccessible.

You have the opportunity to make your materials and activities more accessible.

Education should be about creating opportunities.

According to HESA, 331 170 students (14%) reported a disability to a UK Higher Education Institution for 2018/19. These figures show that almost all educators will be able to engage with students with disabilities as part of their regular work.

The Open University offers online courses for over 22,000 students with disabilities. It has been offering these courses since 1995.

The OU's expertise in accessibility research and practice will benefit you.

Course Overview

projects-img

Live Class

projects-img

Alumni Network

projects-img

International Faculty

projects-img

Post Course Interactions

projects-img

Instructor-Moderated Discussions

Skills You Will Gain

Prerequisites/Requirements

A Bachelors degree or an equivalent level qualification

Experience of working with disabled students

A strong interest in making teaching inclusive and accessible

While some of the content is related to the technical design of computers and digital resources, you do not have to have substantial technical understanding of computing to take the course

What You Will Learn

Design accessible learning materials and activities for online learning

Evaluate the accessibility of websites, online platforms, and interactive tools

Reflect on the common challenges and benefits that students with disabilities find with online learning

Synthesise understanding of innovations in assistive technology to support learners in new and effective ways

Lead and develop effective processes to achieve accessibility in educational institutions which meet legal and policy requirements

Target Students

This microcredential would benefit anyone currently working, or looking to work in, schools (particularly secondary education), colleges, universities, and workplace learning settings

Teachers and Trainers

Lecturer

Learning designer

Educational technologist

Heads of department

Institution leader and manager

This course has a global focus and the skills you'll learn will be relevant for learners from countries around the world

This course is highly relevant to those with responsibility for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in their department or institution

Course Instructors

Dr Tim Coughlan

Instructor

Dr Tim Coughlan is a Senior Lecturer in Educational Technology at The Open University, researching the design and evaluation of technologies for inclusion, participation and accessibility in learning.
Author Image

Kate Lister

Instructor

Kate Lister is a lecturer in education at the Open University and is an expert associate at Advanced HE. Her research focuses on disability, accessibility and mental wellbeing in learning.
Author Image

Simon Ball

Instructor

I'm an Open University tutor and consultant researcher, specialising in inclusive online learning, educational technologies & accessibility. I've also written OU course materials on these topics.

Dr Leigh-Anne Perryman (she/her)

Instructor

Dr Leigh-Anne Perryman leads The Open Universitys Online and Distance Education programme. Her research explores the relationship between equity, social justice, online teaching and open pedagogies.
Course Cover