Design decisions for online/remote learning materials: lessons from/for libraries and museums during the pandemic and beyond

This workshop engages participants with tools developed from an IMLS-funded grant that is investigating the accessibility and design of online learning resources developed by museums and public libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing content analysis of 60 websites from children’s museums and public libraries across the US, the project has investigated the types of materials provided, the target audiences, accessibility considerations, and the models of learning embedded in the resources. We found that these resources are diverse in their aims, formats and the opportunities to learn that they provide for their target audiences. This workshop aims to support educators to recognize and reflect on the various ways that they provide opportunities to learn through their own online/remote learning resources. The workshop will involve participants in reviewing examples of online or remote learning materials by using a tool we have developed to consider ways to make the materials more accessible and to think about different design decisions such as modes of engagement, audience and products.