Session 4 Guide
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, you will
- Understand strategies for designing content that is inclusive and accessible.
- Be able to apply some basic strategies for creating accessible digital content in both Pressbooks and Manifold.
Agenda
We are continuing to shape and refine plans for our OER. Here’s what we’re going to do today to support you as you create the final major element of the plan for your OER: the sample chapter.
- Read first-person narratives from people with disabilities.
- Define design concepts related to inclusion and accessibility.
- Discuss relevant tools and strategies for developing content.
- Learn some basic strategies for creating accessible digital content in Pressbooks and Manifold.
You can download the Session 4 slides [PDF] for an additional overview of the session.
Activities
In-session Discussion
In a breakout room with colleagues, discuss what design strategies would benefit your students with disabilities.
Homework Activity
Complete the following activity before the next session.
- Write a draft of a sample chapter.
✅ Checking In
Instructions: To make sure you are set up for our next session, please check off all completed items on this checklist.
Additional Resources
Accessibility Best Practices
- “Accessibility” in CUNY Pressbooks Guide
- Accessibility Toolkit: 2nd Edition from BCcampus Open Education
- “Writing Alt Text” in Finding and Using Openly Licensed Images: A Quick Guide for Students
Examples of Different Chapter Structures
- Business Writing for Everyone by Arley Cruthers
In this book, the content of each chapter appears across several web pages instead of all together on one page. Nevertheless, chapters follow a consistent structure, and a page on How Do I Use This Book? is provided. - Foundations of Neuroscience by Casey Henley
Notable chapter features include a Resource text box at the top right of every chapter, linking to resources at the end of the chapter; the one-sentence key idea highlighted at the beginning of each chapter; the use of headings to organize content in small chunks; the recurring chapter closers—Key Takeaways, Test Yourself, and Video Lecture. - JUNTXS: Introductory Spanish by Adriana Diaz
One notable feature of these chapters is the use of icons with recurring headings to cue readers to understand what type of content to expect under each heading. A user guide explains these icons and other textbook features to readers.
