ERIC Number: EJ1138776
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Apr
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1492-3831
EISSN: N/A
Reaching Students in Online Courses Using Alternative Formats
Fidaldo, Patricia; Thormann, Joan
International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, v18 n2 p139-161 Apr 2017
This research was conducted to explore whether students enrolled in graduate level courses found some Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies useful and if they actually used them. The strategies we investigated were presenting course information in alternative formats including PowerPoints with voiceover, screencasts, and videos as an alternative to text resources. In addition, students were invited to submit assignments in alternative formats as well as text. To examine these strategies, we used a student questionnaire, analytics from Blackboard, and assignment formats students used. The results indicate that text was the preferred format for accessing course information and resources as well as assignment submission. However, a substantial number of students acknowledged the benefits of using alternative formats and a smaller percentage used them. We suggest that instructors take advantage of UDL strategies that were examined since a sufficient number of students used them and because learning styles differ. We can reach more students by using these strategies.
Descriptors: Graduate Students, Online Courses, Preferences, Delivery Systems, Visual Aids, Teaching Methods, Computer Mediated Communication, Video Technology, Integrated Learning Systems, Assignments, Access to Education, Cognitive Style, Electronic Learning, Mixed Methods Research, Questionnaires, Data Collection
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A