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Add Transcripts with Videos for a More Inclusive Course
Posted March 8, 2023
by IDLT
Everyone learns differently and by adding transcripts along with course videos, faculty can create more inclusive and engaging learning environments. The Multiple Means of Representation guideline from the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework encourages faculty to provide course content in a variety of formats to meet the diverse students in their courses. CAST, the organization that developed and maintains the UDL framework, describes the principle of multimodal representation in more detail:
“Learners differ in the ways that they perceive and comprehend information that is presented to them. For example, those with sensory disabilities (e.g., blindness or deafness); learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia); language or cultural differences, and so forth may all require different ways of approaching content. Others may simply grasp information quicker or more efficiently through visual or auditory means rather than printed text. Also learning, and transfer of learning, occurs when multiple representations are used, because they allow students to make connections within, as well as between, concepts. In short, there is not one means of representation that will be optimal for all learners; providing options for representation is essential” ( UDL Guidelines on Representation , n.d.)
Faculty can use YuJa, the video streaming platform at SIUE, to download their video transcripts following these instructions from the ITS KnowledgeBase. The text (.txt) file is the most accessible version. When you add your video to Blackboard, add the transcript as an attachment. Be sure to mention that you included the transcript for the linked video in your syllabus and in the descriptions that accompany the embedded videos on your Blackboard course website.
Adding the text file is one small way we can be proactive with accessibility and ensure our courses are designed so that all learners can benefit.
For questions, please contact the Instructional Design and Learning Technologies team at 618-650-5500 or idlt_center@siue.edu .
