4 Present Learning Materials in Multiple Formats
Why is this important?
Providing course materials in multiple formats provide students with more choices for accessing and comprehending information. For many students, text is an effective way of getting information. When created with accessibility in mind, digital text also tends to be the most adaptable format of information as it can be easily converted into audio with the use of a screen reader or other text-to-speech technologies many students use to access information[1]. For some students, the use of graphics and images can help them understanding complex concepts and dramatically improve retention. Research also suggests that many people learn abstract and new concepts more easily when they are presented in both verbal and visual form [2]. There is no single representation of information that is equally suited for all students. Proactively providing content in multiple ways can engage diverse students and can further reduce the need to create last-minute alternative formats upon receiving accommodation requests from students.
Providing content in multiple ways
As previously mentioned, students with disabilities often require course materials in alternative formats. Providing content in multiple formats from the beginning of a course can proactively support these students and save faculty time during the semester.
Options for providing multiple formats may include:
- Content in Word or PDF and in HTML on eCentennial by copying and pasting the content (for example, copying and pasting content from a Word document into the HTML editor in eCentennial).
- PowerPoint presentations posted with text-only versions by export/save as a Rich Text Format (.rtf) or PDF
- Captioned videos with a transcript. Both YouTube and Microsoft Stream automatically create closed captions and allow you to download transcripts you can share with your students. Learn more in the next chapter Provide Closed-Captioning, Transcripts, and Descriptions and Images and Charts.
If you are new to creating accessible contents or need a refresher, visit Creating Accessible Learning Resources on the Learning Portal by Colleges Libraries Ontario
Obtaining course materials through eReserves
The eReserves Services at Centennial College Libraries is a way to list course materials, including links to library resources like databases, articles, and eBooks Weblinks to publicly available resources, PDFs such as Scanned Short Excerpts and Transcripts, and audio/video files, exclusively for your class online through eCentennial. Obtaining course materials through eReserves can ensure that your materials are accessible and copyright-compliant.
- Universal Design for Learning Guidelines 2.0: http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines ↵
- Clark, R.C., Mayer, R.E. (20011) e-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning (3rd ed.) John Wiley & Sons. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/9781118255971 ↵
Screen reader reads the text on the screen. Screen reader users often use keyboards instead of a mouse to navigate around their computer
Text-To-speech (TTS) software reads aloud text on a page. It often allows users to listen to the whole page or select words/phrases to read aloud.
