Creating Sensory-Friendly Online Courses
By Sensory Integration Education, 25 April 2023
How can we create more sensory-friendly online courses? It’s a crucial question for anyone creating online learning experiences when we consider how common sensory processing differences are. A 2009 study found that as many as 1 in 6 children have sensory processing differences that may be significant enough to impact their daily tasks. And the prevalence of sensory integration or sensory processing differences is much higher amongst autistic populations and also in children with special education needs who are not autistic.
What Do We Mean by Sensory-Friendly?
First, let’s look at what we mean by sensory integration or sensory processing differences. Sensory integration is how our brain makes sense of the information we get from our senses. It helps us know how to react to things in our environment and to messages from our own body (for example, if we feel tired or thirsty). Everyone's way of processing sensory information is different, and that's okay. But sometimes sensory processing differences can make it hard for a person to handle sensory information, understand it, and react appropriately. Sensory integration differences can affect how we spend our time and what we feel able to do on a day-to-day basis.
Here, we’re using the term sensory-friendly online courses to refer to online learning environments and content that have been designed to be comfortable, engaging, and supportive to learners with sensory processing differences. Just as with physical environments, there are aspects of online learning that are trickier to adjust to sensory preferences (such as learners who prefer input from touching and feeling things) but we’ll also discuss these areas.
Here are some tips, relevant for children and adult learners, for making online courses sensory-friendly.
Tips for Making Online Learning Sensory-Friendly
Use Simple and Uncluttered Visual Designs
Simple and uncluttered visual designs help students focus on the content and reduce distractions. Use clear and easy-to-read fonts, high-contrast colours, and minimal graphics. Avoid unnecessary flashing or moving graphics, and keep the background simple.
Provide Closed Captions and Transcripts
Closed captions and transcripts are essential for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, but they can also benefit students with auditory processing issues, ADHD, or anxiety. They provide an alternative way to access the information and reduce the cognitive load of trying to process multiple sources of information at once. Make sure the captions are accurate, synced with the audio, and easy to read. Use a consistent volume and pace for audio content.
Create a Predictable and Structured Environment
Predictability and structure can help reduce anxiety and increase confidence and focus for students with sensory differences. Set out how the online course is to be completed, what will be covered and expected learning outcomes, as well as instructions on how to proceed, save and complete the work. Use a consistent format for each lesson, including headings, subheadings, and bullet points. Make it clear where the student is within the learning journey, for example, they have completed two out of five chapters or they have 12 minutes of a video left to watch.
Incorporate Breaks and Movement Activities
Students with sensory processing differences may have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time. Incorporating breaks and movement activities into the lesson plan can help students stay focused and engaged. Provide prompts for students to stand up, stretch, move around or perform their go-to activity for re-energising. You can also include brief mindfulness or relaxation exercises to help students regulate their emotions.
Welcome the Use of Sensory Tools
Sensory tools and accommodations can help students regulate their sensory input and stay focused. These tools may include noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, weighted blankets, a cool smoothie sucked through a straw, chewing gum or visual aids. You can provide a list of suggested sensory tools and accommodations that students may want to use during their online learning.
Prompt the Learner to Set Up Their Space to Fit Their Sensory Needs
You can prompt the learner to think about the environment in which they are accessing your online course: how can they adjust this space to be more conducive to their learning? Can they ensure there aren’t distractions, and that the lighting and temperature of the space are comfortable? What kind of chair is best for their particular sensory needs, for example, will a rocking chair or yoga ball give them the movement input they find helps them concentrate? Do they prefer the energy of studying in a public space or the privacy of working alone?
Ensure Compatibility with Support Technology
Students with sensory differences may require or prefer to use technology tools such as text-to-speech or speech-to-text software to help them better access the material. Ensure your learning content is compatible with these tools.
Use a Variety of Teaching Methods
Students with sensory differences may learn better through visual, auditory, or tactile methods. Use a variety of teaching methods, such as videos, diagrams, podcasts, online discussions and interactive sections. It’s obviously trickier to incorporate hands-on activities in online learning courses but you could show how to carry out an activity within the learner’s home or work space using readily available equipment and resources. And then prompt the learner to break off and try the activity. Make sure to provide clear instructions and explanations for each method.
Break Down Complex Concepts
Students with sensory differences may struggle with focus. Breaking down complex concepts into smaller, more manageable pieces can help them better digest the material. Use clear and concise language, and provide examples or visual aids to help illustrate the concept. Consider using stories to make the material more relatable.
Provide Opportunities for Repetition and Reinforcement
Repetition and reinforcement can help students better retain and apply the material. Provide opportunities for students to review and practise the material multiple times, through quizzes, assignments, or other activities. Use frequent summaries or reviews to reinforce key concepts.
Allow for Flexible Pacing and Assessment
Students with sensory differences may need extra time or support to complete assignments or assessments. Allow for flexible pacing and assessment options, such as extended deadlines or, where possible, alternative formats. Provide clear instructions and expectations for each assignment, and allow for questions and feedback throughout the process. Ensure learners know how they can easily contact your teaching or customer service team.
Conclusion
In conclusion, creating sensory-friendly online courses requires a combination of thoughtful design, accommodations, and flexibility. By incorporating these tips and suggestions, you can create a supportive and engaging online learning environment for all students.
At Sensory Integration Education, we’re working to ensure our online courses for professionals, parents, teachers, and individuals with sensory differences, are more sensory-friendly. We aren’t perfect yet, but we’re working towards it. We hope you’ll take on board these tips if you are responsible for creating online courses too.
References
Dunn, W. (2009). Living Sensationally: Understanding Your Senses. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
