Breaking Barriers: Enhancing Accessibility in eLearning for All

This image explains what accessibility is, because you create an access ramp for people in wheelchairs, but in reality that ramp can be used by many more people, people with carriages, people with deliveries, bicycles, people with suitcases, etc.

So this is what you have to do when you think about accessibility.

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Quick tips to get started with accessibility:

●?????It is important to learn or make sure that the color contrast is good for users.

●?????Add closed captions

●?????Use a good text size and sans serif fonts.

●?????Make sure that the screen looks tidy, do not place many elements that do not contribute to what you want to transmit.

●?????Make sure your course works using only a keyboard or mouse (this is very important and is part of the acronym POUR: Operable)

●?????Avoid timers in quizzes.

POUR Acronym

P

Perceivable

Principle that says that the content should be perceived by the user’s senses. It should be made easier to see and hear.

O

Operable

Principle of web accessibility that focuses on ensuring the user interface components and navigation are operable by all users.

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It is suggested that the courses should be built

to be controlled by the learner only using the keyboard as an option.

U

Understandable

Principle that states that the content and functionality should be clear and understandable to the learner.

R

Robust

Principle that says that we should ensure that the content is compatible with a wide range of software/technology (like browsers and devices).

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NOTE: Remember that when building a course, you are designing/developing?for people, not for rules and guidelines.

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The WCAG guidelines are organized into three levels: A, AA, and AAA. Contrary to popular belief, Level A guidelines are not necessarily better than Level AA or Level AAA guidelines. The level system takes into account various factors, including goals and resource limitations, to prioritize the guidelines.

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Level A guidelines are considered the easiest to implement and should be followed as a best practice. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that e-learning is accessible to a broad range of individuals in different demographics.

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Level AA guidelines are more specialized and may be more challenging to implement. However, they have a significant impact on a smaller group of individuals. Striving to meet Level AA guidelines is important to make e-learning more accessible.

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Level AAA guidelines are the most difficult to implement and may require significant resources. These guidelines have a specific target audience and should be followed based on the needs of the learners and organization.

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In summary, the WCAG level system considers various factors to prioritize the guidelines, and each level has its own unique impact on e-learning accessibility.

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Screen reader compatibility is an essential aspect of creating accessible e-learning courses. Screen readers are assistive technology devices that read digital content aloud for individuals with visual impairments. Without screen reader compatibility, e-learning courses become inaccessible to a significant portion of the population, thereby limiting their educational opportunities.

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By ensuring that e-learning courses are screen reader compatible, educational institutions and organizations can provide equal access to education for all learners, including those with visual impairments.

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Screen reader compatibility also benefits individuals with other disabilities, such as those with dyslexia or cognitive impairments. By providing alternative ways to access information, such as audio descriptions or transcripts, learners with disabilities can better engage with the course content and achieve their learning objectives.

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In addition to the ethical and legal obligations to provide accessible e-learning courses, there are practical benefits to screen reader compatibility. Accessible e-learning courses can result in increased engagement, retention, and satisfaction among learners with disabilities.

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In conclusion, screen reader compatibility is crucial for creating accessible e-learning courses. By ensuring that e-learning courses are accessible to all learners, educational institutions and organizations can provide equal access to education, improve engagement and retention, and enhance their reputation.

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Alt text is a crucial component of creating accessible e-learning courses using Storyline. Alt text, also known as alternative text, is a description of an image that is read by screen readers for individuals with visual impairments. By providing alt text for images in Storyline courses, e-learning designers can ensure that learners with visual impairments can access the same information as their peers.

Did you attend? What takeaway did you have? Share in the comments!