As part of an online research study the University of Reading are looking for volunteers to help bring about improvements in online learning materials. The aim is to help to identify how to make online learning materials more accessible and effective for undergraduate students.
We know that high quality online learning materials are especially important in the current COVID-19 pandemic, and that not all online materials are as accessible for all students as they should be.
The DEAL (Digital Education & Accessible Learning) team based at the University of Reading are looking for undergraduate students to take part in this online research, who fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Students who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Students who have dyslexia
- Students who speak English as a second or additional language.
The study is based online and involves completing assessments at two different time points.
The initial assessment takes about 40 minutes and assesses reading comprehension and your knowledge of two specific content areas. The tests used are short and simple to complete. The second assessment (lasting approximately one hour) would take place a few weeks later and involves attending an online meeting in Microsoft Teams with one of the project researchers. In that meeting you would be asked to complete two short online tests, view two sets of online learning materials, and complete two short questionnaires. A few questions would be posed to you orally by the researcher. Assessments would be arranged for a time convenient to you and an interpreter would be available for those needing one. No information or test scores from you would be passed on to anyone outside the project team.
All eligible completers of both the first and second assessments will receive a payment of £10 to cover expenses (internet use, etc.).
If you want to take part, please register your interest.
If you would like more information, please email Debbie Flory: [email protected].
You can also view the full information sheets and ethical approval information.
Read the DEAL blog for more information about the research group.
