The Web Usability Podcast

Lucy Collins from Web Usability

Join Lucy Collins, Director of Web Usability, as we explore what it takes to make the web a more accessible and enjoyable place for everyone. Whether you're a website owner, developer, or just a curious mind, we're here to share insights, tips, and stories that can help you improve the user experience of your digital world. Web Usability is an established User Experience (UX) agency. We are UX specialists. We provide inclusive UX research and advice to optimise your digital services. If you need a transcript of our podcasts, just visit our website at www.webusability.co.uk.

  1. Apr 22

    Ep40 AI for good? Rethinking how we use AI in education

    Summary This episode explores how AI can be thoughtfully integrated into education to enhance learning outcomes, protect institutional knowledge, and support diverse learning styles. Featuring Jason Coppin and Susie Leckie founders of Timber Yard, the discussion covers AI's potential, risks, and practical applications in educational settings. Take aways AI in education won't replace human expertise; it amplifies it. The value of AI is in targeted, curated content tailored to specific curricula AI's true potential lies in hyper-personalization accessible to all learners Establishing guardrails is essential to harness AI safely in education Speed and strategic alignment are the biggest risks in adopting AI in education Chapters 00:00 Introduction and AI in Education 01:12 Meet the Guests: Timber Yard and Their Mission 02:24 The Evolution of Timber Yard and Their Digital Expertise 05:26 AI Adoption in the Education Sector 06:38 Operational Changes and Educational Content Transformation 08:34 Balancing Innovation, Trust, and IP Protection 09:52 Student Use of AI and Institutional Responses 12:47 Differentiating Useful AI from the Noise 14:46 Risks: IP, Misuse, and Adoption Speed 17:53 AI Supporting Diverse Learning Needs 23:10 TimberLearn: Curated AI for Specific Courses 27:34 Hyper-Personalisation and Accessibility in Learning 31:29 Future Vision for Timber Yard and Education 33:18 Ensuring Responsible AI Use in Education 35:21 Where to Find More About Timber Yard and Timberlearn Resources Timber Yard Website - About Us | Timberyard Commerce

    Ep40 AI for good? Rethinking how we use AI in education
  2. Apr 9

    Minisode accessible eLearnings from the Cabinet Office

    Summary The episode delves into the importance of accessibility in e-learning, emphasising that it is not just a compliance requirement but a best practice that benefits all users. Dave Martin shares insights on how to design courses that are inclusive and user-friendly, highlighting common pitfalls and practical solutions to enhance user experience and engagement. Sound Bites "Accessibility isn’t just a checklist—it's a core design principle that benefits everyone." "Simplifying user journeys and removing unnecessary controls can drastically improve engagement." "Treat learners like adults by respecting their autonomy and simplifying course navigation." "Good design practices naturally lead to accessible and inclusive learning environments." Takeaways Accessibility should be integrated into the design process from the start, not treated as an afterthought or mere compliance requirement. By simplifying user journeys and removing unnecessary controls, e-learning platforms can significantly improve user engagement and satisfaction. This approach respects the autonomy of learners and reduces frustration. Good design practices, such as using plain language and ensuring clear visual contrast, naturally lead to more accessible and inclusive learning environments. Designing with trust in mind means allowing learners to navigate content freely and make choices about their learning paths. Small, practical changes in course design can have a significant impact on accessibility and user experience.

    Minisode accessible eLearnings from the Cabinet Office

About

Join Lucy Collins, Director of Web Usability, as we explore what it takes to make the web a more accessible and enjoyable place for everyone. Whether you're a website owner, developer, or just a curious mind, we're here to share insights, tips, and stories that can help you improve the user experience of your digital world. Web Usability is an established User Experience (UX) agency. We are UX specialists. We provide inclusive UX research and advice to optimise your digital services. If you need a transcript of our podcasts, just visit our website at www.webusability.co.uk.