You want to create e-learning courses that are accessible to everyone. What’s the best way to get started?

A sele??o de uma ferramenta é um alicerce fundamental para a constru??o de um e-learning eficaz e inclusivo. Devemos procurar ferramentas que v?o além das funcionalidades básicas, optando por aquelas que possuam recursos avan?ados de acessibilidade – algo que reflete um compromisso com todos os alunos. Por exemplo, plataformas que suportam legendas e transcri??es, n?o apenas cumprem diretrizes legais, mas mostram um esfor?o em compreender e atender às necessidades individuais, promovendo a igualdade de oportunidades para todos.

Consider using different tools rather than one super-tool that checks all boxes, accessibility can really have many different faces. A combination of two well integrated tools may be a good compromise.

Start by getting familiar with accessibility standards like WCAG. Choose an e-learning platform that prioritizes accessibility, ensuring it works well with screen readers and keyboard navigation. Keep your content clear and simple, breaking it into easy-to-follow sections. Mix up your materials with videos, text, and interactive elements, and always include transcripts and captions. Design your course for keyboard use, optimize multimedia with alt text and audio descriptions, and offer flexible navigation. Test your course with people of different abilities for usability, and stay updated on accessibility best practices.

Trying to create e-learning courses that are accessible to everyone would be impossible so I would need to start by defining what is meant by "everyone" as well as what is meant by "accessible." I work in some areas where "everyone" would be 99.99+% of the population while I also work in other areas where "everyone" is less than .1% of the population.

Select an accessible authoring tool that supports features such as alternative text, captions, transcripts, audio descriptions, keyboard navigation, tab order, skip links, contrast, color, readability, and adherence to WCAG and device compatibility. Examples of accessible authoring tools include Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, and Lectora.

O design universal é a arte de criar conteúdos que possam ser acessados, compreendidos e utilizados por todos, independentemente das suas limita??es ou habilidades. Ao incorporar estes princípios, estamos reconhecendo a diversidade do nosso público. Mais do que isso, estamos construindo uma ponte sobre a qual todos os alunos podem atravessar com confian?a, garantindo equidade e flexibilidade no processo de aprendizado. Trata-se de uma abordagem que beneficia a todos e reflete uma verdadeira cultura de inclus?o.

Drawing from my experience, I believe it's advantageous to opt for straightforward Edtech solutions when designing online courses. Complexity tends to be costly, time-consuming, less adaptable over time, and often lacks significant pedagogical value. This stance further reinforces the case for developing flexible curricula that can seamlessly transfer across platforms. Embracing simplicity in technology makes the entire process smoother.

To create accessible e-learning courses, apply universal design principles to the content and layout. These principles ensure that courses are inclusive, flexible, and easy to use. The principles of universal design include equity, flexibility, simplicity, perceptibility, tolerance, efficiency, and engagement.

Some practical tips how to implement universal design principles in e-learning: - Offer content in various formats like audio, video, and text. - Maintain a clear, intuitive layout and navigation. - Use high-contrast colors and provide captions for videos. - Design error-tolerant interfaces with helpful feedback for mistakes. - Ensure content is optimized for quick access and interaction.

Ensure accessibility in your e-learning courses by testing them before publishing. Leverage automated tools like WAVE and AChecker for scans and reports. Follow checklists from WebAIM and Accessible U, aligning with WCAG criteria. Gather feedback from users with varied impairments to address practical issues. Complying with legal and ethical obligations not only broadens your market reach but also enhances your professional reputation. Prioritize accessibility to create inclusive courses, benefiting both learners and your standing in the e-learning community.

To create accessible e-learning courses, the third step is to test them for accessibility before publishing. By identifying and fixing issues, learners can access and complete the courses.

A prática de testar a acessibilidade de cursos antes de torná-los públicos é mais do que um passo técnico; é uma express?o de empatia e compromisso para com cada aluno. Precisamos adotar uma mentalidade que valorize o feedback contínuo, fazendo ajustes com base em dados reais e experiências vividas por usuários com diferentes necessidades. Isso n?o só melhora a qualidade dos cursos como também fortalece a nossa reputa??o como educadores comprometidos com a excelência para todos.

To create accessible e-learning courses, start by familiarizing yourself with accessibility standards like WCAG and Section 508. Ensure your content is navigable and readable by screen readers. Use contrasting colors for text and background, and provide text alternatives for images and videos. Make sure videos have closed captions and audio descriptions. Design your courses to be keyboard-friendly and ensure all interactive elements are accessible. Regularly test your courses with accessibility tools and seek feedback from users with disabilities. Accessibility is not just about compliance; it's about creating an inclusive learning environment for all. #eLearning #Accessibility #Inclusivity

If you're interested in learning about accessibility, nothing can help more than finding opportunities to work with groups who need accessible content and to get feedback from them directly. If you haven't needed learning accomodations, it can be hard to fully grasp what is needed for a course to be effective and easy to use for those who do, even with thoughtful research. Volunteering your time to develop these skills is rewarding both personally and professionally.

Cada detalhe importa quando falamos em cursos de e-learning acessíveis. é imperativo considerarmos as nuances culturais e linguísticas dos nossos alunos, bem como a disponibilidade de tecnologia e suporte técnico. Precisamos também estar atentos às atualiza??es nas regulamenta??es e melhores práticas para manter nossos cursos n?o só acessíveis mas também relevantes. E, acima de tudo, precisamos ouvir – realmente ouvir – as pessoas que usam nossos cursos, porque no final s?o elas que nos guiar?o para a verdadeira inclus?o.

As an elder, with declining eyesight, I also find it is the simple things such as text size. As one who has worked with those prone to seizures, I have (privately) been critical of some of the ‘bells and whistles’ that land in learning. This subject is so touchy because, as stated, if you are not sure of your audience the consequences jump beyond being able to view the content. Frustration can be one emotional consequence, actual physical stress could be another. Quality Matters does a great job of categorizing the WCAG n 508 in a way that helps prioritize these.