Objective: The primary objective of this ILT was to train participants on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, specifically focusing on the use of captioning in e-learning content to improve accessibility. The training aimed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to effectively enable and create captions for various types of media, ultimately making their e-learning content more accessible to all learners.
Delivery and Contents: This was an instructor-led training, facilitated by a trainer using a guide and accompanying slide deck. The training incorporated several elements:
Trainer Guide: Provided step-by-step instructions for the trainer, including slide prompts, discussion points, video activities, and time management.
Learner Guide: A companion document for participants to record notes, engage in self-reflection, and plan for action. It includes discussion prompts, activity worksheets, and resource lists.
Interactive Activities: The training included discussions, video demonstrations, self-reflection exercises, and scenario-based activities to promote active learning and application of concepts.
Resource Sharing: The training provides participants with a list of captioning resources and support contacts for future use.
Data and Impact: Because this was a training program without a follow-up data collection, "impact" is focused on learning and intended behavioral changes. Here's how the wins we took from it:
Increased Knowledge and Skills: The training is designed to directly increase participants' knowledge of UDL and captioning techniques. The learner guide facilitates this through activities and resource lists and is a physical takeaway for the learner to hang onto.
Changes in Teaching Practices: The training aims to change teaching practices by encouraging educators to incorporate captioning into their e-learning content. The "Action Plan" section in the learner guide supports this.
Improved Accessibility of E-Learning Content: The ultimate impact is to improve the accessibility of e-learning content for all learners, including those with disabilities.
Positive Feedback from Participants: The interactive nature of the training, with discussions and hands-on activities, generated positive feedback from participants in the chat.
Long-Term Impact on Student Learning: The long-term impact could potentially be seen in improved learning outcomes for students who benefit from captioned content. This would require separate measurement (e.g., student performance data) from individual teachers.