Universal Design: An Exploratory Study Examining Teachers’ Experiences in Navigating a Digital Curriculum Repository
The development of web-based platforms and curriculum resources, as well as the assessment of user interactions with these platforms, is critical to ensuring an optimal user experience. This study examines the redesign of a middle school engineering digital curriculum repository within the broader framework of curriculum implementation, with a specific focus on how teachers interact with and utilize its resources.
The redesign was in response to a scale-up implementation of a prior 4-year study, to accommodate a wide range of teacher users. The redesign process prioritized accessibility by embedding universal design principles into both the repository’s structure and accompanying teacher resources. These principles were used to create an adaptable and inclusive platform that meets the needs of a diverse user base. This paper outlines the key design considerations that informed the redevelopment, highlights improvements made in response to teacher feedback and examines how the repository supported instructional practices.
A qualitative user study was conducted with four middle school engineering teachers who used the redesigned repository for lesson implementation.
The study aims to provide insights into the practical application of universal design principles, addressing gaps in existing research on designing tools that accommodate varied learning needs.
Findings revealed that integrating universal design principles reduced cognitive load by streamlining navigation and improving access to curriculum materials. Teachers reported that the redesign provided significant support for lesson preparation, thereby enhancing their ability to implement the curriculum in their classrooms effectively.
These findings highlight the benefits of applying universal design principles to design web-based curriculum resources and platforms, thereby ensuring their accessibility and usability for all users.
Continuing to explore how web-based curriculum resources and platforms, designed based on the universal design principles, may improve inclusion among diverse populations and ensure the sustainability of their use.
This study underscores the potential of such designs to promote inclusion among diverse populations and discusses the implications for the long-term sustainability of websites developed with these principles.
Future research will continue to explore how universally designed web-based curriculum resources can enhance user experiences and foster equitable access to educational resources.
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