Simple and Intuitive Use in Multimodal Assignments

The Universal Design principle of simple and intuitive use will ensure that multimodal assignments are “easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.” According to the Center for Universal Design, this means “eliminating unnecessary complexity,” being “consistent with user expectations,” and providing “effective prompting and feedback during and after task completion.” For multimodal assignments, this could include:

• Having a detailed assignment sheet, which articulates the goals of the assignment;
• Offering transparent information about assessment and doing so from the beginning of the assignment, so that students understand what is expected of them and how they can achieve it;
• Avoiding normative assumptions about student expertise by offering lessons, tutorials, and workshops to support students in achieving success;
• Minimizing additional labor necessary for students to get what they need to achieve success;
• Providing clear examples of what a successful multimodal assignment looks like; and
• Scaffolding assignments whenever possible to ensure that students meet one goal before moving on to the next.

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