One of the most important components to consider when creating a learning design is the accessibility for all. Not only does an accessible program for all ensure that all learner can pursue excellence in their education but it also follows the human rights law that requires education providers to create services that identify barriers in learning and accommodate for individuals with disabilities. Just like the selective attention video demonstrates, it is easy to overlook something you don’t focus on. Having an inclusive design in a learning environment is crucial to ensure all learners make and receive the most out of their learning experience.
For my groups learning design in particular, an inclusive design is integral for the success of our lesson. After learning about inclusivity in the learning environment I recognized some potential barriers in the learning activities I have planned. More specifically, my portion of the learning design explores examples of quiet mindful brain breaks. Through a PowerPoint presentation, I was planning on demonstrating and teaching different types of mindful brain breaks to implement into the classroom. The potential barriers using this platform is that it does not support learning for students who experience loss of sight or loss of hearing. By using a program that relys on visuals to learn concepts, it creates large barriers for some learners, in other words excluding them from my learning environment.
To accommodate for this, I will supplement my lesson with the same material although through a different format. Transferring my material to a google doc gives all learners the ability to access the information. Google docs is a platform that can accommodate learners that are hard of hearing to view the information in an organized and descriptive way. In addition, google docs facilitates for learners who are visually impaired through a function that speaks the text.
Creating an inclusive learning environment is important and should be revaluated often to ensure all learners are included.