UROP Project

Supporting Accessibility in Courses through Innovative Implementation of Emerging Technologies and Research-informed Pedagogies

accessibility, a11y, innovation, emerging tech, UDL

Research Mentor: Dr. Ameya Kolarkar, he/his
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida State University, N/A
Contact Email: akolarkar@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:

• Day: Tuesday, September 1
  Start Time: 3:00
  End Time: 4:00
  Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94451940334

Project Description

Access for all is important for success for all. Accessibility is a major component of access for all, and is the foundation of our work in the Accessibility Innovations and Emerging Technologies Research Lab (AI+ET RLab). Currently we focus on making courses accessible for low vision/blind students but are taking the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach so that whatever we develop works for all students. We work with OAS and several other campus partners and faculty. Listed below are some potential research and development topics.

Note that receiving constant feedback from the students with disabilities is a primary feature of our research program; our research assistants (students with various disabilities) are always available to help. You may work on one or more of the following projects (or suggest one if you want to work on something different related to accessibility).

1~ For math and math-heavy courses, converting course material into accessible formats, including braille, using human-in-the-loop AI-assisted tools. If you are passionate about converting your favorite course to a more accessible format, you will have the option to work on it.

2~ Researching and helping with the design and creation of tactile and haptic learning materials, for example, a 3D molecule or a standing wave with braille or audio elements. These objects help not only students with disabilities but all students learn better, and is part of UDL (Universal Design for Learning). We will always implement UDL principles in our work towards the success of all students.

3~ Incorporating innovative and emerging technologies like AR/VR (Augmented and Virtual reality), haptics/sensor-based objects, AI glasses, etc. If you are creative and hands-on (or want to give it a try - many students think they are not creative but they just haven't gotten the opportunity yet!) you may research -- and begin development -- on some newer accessibility technologies. If interested in this project, please make a special request during interview scheduling.

4~ This project involves surveying and interviewing faculty and staff about their awareness of accessibility issues facing students, and available resources for students and faculty, on the FSU campus. This, in turn, will help improve accessibility support for all students and faculty on campus. Students will gain experience with human subjects research, interviewing, and survey methods. If interested in this project, please make a special request during interview scheduling.

We value multiple viewpoints and varied lived-experiences, and so our team is always multidimensional. Whether you are a STEM major or a Humanities/Arts major, or undecided, you are welcome to apply.


Research Tasks: Depending on the project(s) you choose to work on - coding course material, 3D modeling/printing, research and learn about UDL and accessibility features, problem-solving in conjunction with our RAs, (possibly surveys and data collection/analysis, conducting interviews, etc.). It is imperative that you regularly discuss with our low-vision/blind (and possibly other) research assistants (RAs) to get feedback.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Communication with students with different abilities. Lots of patience.

Recommended:
generative AI (LLM) use, reading research literature and technical docs
depending on project: computer software (coding, 3D modeling), hands-on skills.