Keep in mind that you want to present resources in a way that makes them accessible--easy to find and use with visual cues. Minimize visual competition and among your selections provide material that has audio capabilities and resources as often as possible.

Color, Contrast, Design

• Maximize white space
• Minimize "lists" of links.
• No flashing graphics or images
• Eliminate pop-ups
• Use logos of websites in addition to words, particularly for pre-secondary students.

Consistency, Ease of Use

• Consistent design and color for each page
• Same layout for each page
• Always have a RETURN to... on the page
• "Universal design" UDL Guidelines (National Center on Universal Design for Learning)

Minimize Choice

• Choose the best that are presented in the most accessible way. See Newspapers, Journals, Magazines
• Too many choices overwhelm most students with learning differences.
• Those that need more.

Pathfinders

• Teaches organization, prioritizing, helps with evaluation of sources.
• "Home Made" Pathfinders
• Free Pathfinders:
  • Portaportal
  • LiveBinders
• Subscription Pathfinders
  • LibGuides (prepares for college library research)

Add Audio Sources When Possible

• When students can select a professionally produced audio source, especially one that displays the text as well, this is the "gold standard." More and more of these resources are becoming available (Gale's Opposing Viewpoints). Here are just a sampling of FREE resources from across the curricula:
  • Aesop's Fables
  • The World of Peter Rabbit