Creating PowerPoint presentations with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in mind can make your content more accessible and engaging for a diverse audience. Here are some tips to incorporate UDL into your PowerPoint presentations:
Multiple Means of Representation
- Use a clear and legible font with a minimum size of 24 point (pt).
- Provide visual aids such as images, diagrams, data visualizations, and videos to support text.
- Use high contrast between text and background colors to improve readability.
- Include alternative text descriptions for images to assist people with visual impairments.
- Incorporate best practices design principles.
Multiple Means of Expression
- Offer various ways for learners to engage with the content, such as interactive elements like clickable buttons or hyperlinks.
- Encourage participation through polls, quizzes, or interactive slides.
- Provide opportunities for learners to contribute their ideas or ask questions during or after the presentation.
Multiple Means of Engagement
- Incorporate storytelling techniques to make the content more relatable and engaging.
- Break up the presentation into manageable sections with clear headings and transitions.
- Allow for customization and personalization, such as providing options for learners to choose the order of topics or select different paths through the presentation.
- Include real-life examples and scenarios that appeal to a diverse range of learners.
Accessibility Features
- Create a title for each slide. Enter it in the “Title” placeholder for each slide (select View > Outline View). Slide titles are key for those using screen readers and are also beneficial for anyone reviewing the slides.
- Alt text for images (select Tools > Accessibility > Alt Text and select each image).
- Ensure that your presentation is accessible to individuals with disabilities by using built-in accessibility features in PowerPoint, such as the Accessibility Checker.
- Provide closed captions or transcripts for videos and spoken content.
- Use slide layouts and formatting features to create a logical reading order for screen readers.
- Do not use color as the sole means of conveying information; use text and/or symbols as well.
- Run Accessibility Checker (Review tab or Tools > Check Accessibility).
Clear Organization and Navigation
- Use a consistent layout throughout the presentation to help learners navigate and understand the content.
- Include a table of contents or navigation slide to allow your audience to jump to specific sections easily.
- Number slides and provide clear titles to aid in navigation.
By incorporating these principles into your PowerPoint presentations, you can create a more inclusive learning experience for all learners, regardless of their abilities or learning styles.
—
Microsoft Support. https://support.microsoft.com
Center for Teaching & Learning. UDL Principles for Designing Accessible Slideshows. Boston University. https://www.bu.edu/ctl/ctl_resource/udl-principles-for-designing-accessible-slideshows/
Note: This article was written with the help of ChatGPT 3.5, OpenAI, May 11, 2024, chat.openai.com.