Overlap between module 1 and 2 in learning about pwds, adaptive design strategies and assistive technologies

[gzimmermann]

There is some overlap between topic "Stories of People with Disabilities" (Module 1) and topic "Diverse Abilities, Tools, and Strategies" (Module 2). It may not be clear to the teacher and the students where the boundary is between the two.

Suggestion: In module 1, focus on people with disabilities and corresponding adaptive strategies on a high level rather than diving into the details of assistive technologies. Emphasize the benefits of adaptive software and hardware for everybody, in particular when having a "temporary disability" or being in a situation that is disabling. I have successfully used the persona spectrum (part of Microsoft's Inclusive Design Toolkit) to systematically work this out with students in an interactive way. Personas and user stories, such as those provided by W3C (How People with Disabilities Use the Web) and MOOCAP (A day in the life of ...)) can be useful to "populate" the persona spectrum and have a focussed discussion.

Example flip chart pages for the persona spectrum:

• Empty persona spectrum grid

• Example persona spectrum

[nitedog]

Suggestion: In module 1, focus on people with disabilities and corresponding adaptive strategies on a high level rather than diving into the details of assistive technologies.

This is exactly the intent, yet agree it may not come across all too clearly. Many thanks for the suggested approach too, which we will consider in future iterations.