Accessible E-Learning and Educational Technology: Extending Learning Opportunities for People With Disabilities
By Fisseler, Bjoern; Buehler, Christian; Proceedings of ICL2007 - Conference on Interactive Computer Aided Learning,Publication Date: 2007
Article discusses barriers to e-learning and educational technology for people with disabilities. Modes of computer-aided learning outlined include virtual learning environments (VLE) and learning management systems (LMS). To make e-learning and educational technology accessible, two main parts need to be adapted: the software being used for e-learning, and the content and learning material uploaded to the LMS/VLE. An e-learning scenario is described as consisting of three parts: (1) Content, that is material ranging from simple text to complex multimedia, which needs to be perceivable, operable, understandable, and compatible with assistive technologies; (2) Communication, ranging from face-to-face to chat and discussion boards; and (3) Construction, wherein learners work with different materials taking notes, writing essays, and doing presentations. Communication and construction normally take place within an LMS or VLE. Examples of accessible LMS mentioned include Moodle (http://moodle.org), Blackboard (http://www.blackboard.com), .LRN (http://dotlrn.org), and ATutor (http://www.atutor.ca). Also discussed is planning an e-learning-based course incorporating the principles of Universal Design for Instruction (UDI) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), that is, usable by all students without the need for adaptation or specialized design. The 50-member German Alliance for barrier-free Information Technology (AbI) Project is described as an example of efforts made for the further development of accessible web, providing a work package, “Further Education/E-Learning,” including guidelines for accessible e-learning content, a catalogue of accessible e-learning courses, and developed criteria for the evaluation of e-learning tools such as LMS. Finally, future perspectives in e-learning incorporating the use of blogs and wikis, e-assessments and e-portfolios are discussed.
Published by: Kassel University Press
Link to text: http://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/docs/00/25/71/38/PDF/242_Final_Paper.pdf
ISBN: 978-3-89958-279-6
