Creating Accessible E-Learning Content: Considerations and Guidelines
September 09, 2020Ensuring that your e-learning content conforms to the highest possible standard of accessibility involves following specific guidelines and implementing accessibility features across various aspects of your content. Here are some steps you can take to ensure accessibility:
Use Accessible Learning Management Systems (LMS): This is one that a lot of people forget. There is no point in going to all the effort of creating an accessible module if the user can’t access it via their LMS.
Choose an LMS that supports accessibility features and conforms to accessibility standards. Ensure that the LMS interface, navigation, and course content are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Consider factors such as keyboard accessibility, compatibility with screen readers, and support for alternative input devices.
Provide Alternative Text for Images: Include descriptive alternative text (alt text) for all images in your e-learning content. Alt text should convey the purpose and meaning of the image to individuals who cannot see it. This allows screen readers to read aloud the description, providing access to the visual information.
Create Structured Content: Structure your e-learning content using proper headings, lists, and other formatting elements. Use semantic HTML tags to provide a clear hierarchy and organization of content. Structured content helps individuals using assistive technologies navigate and understand the information more effectively. Use the site checker at www.accessibilitychecker.org.
Ensure Keyboard Accessibility: Design your e-learning content to be fully operable using a keyboard alone. Users should be able to access and interact with all interactive elements, menus, and controls without the need for a mouse or other pointing devices. Keyboard accessibility is crucial for individuals with motor disabilities or those who rely on alternative input methods.
Provide Transcripts and Captions: Include accurate transcripts for audio content such as lectures, podcasts, or interviews. Transcripts should capture the spoken content, including dialogue, narration, and relevant audio cues. Additionally, provide captions for videos to make them accessible to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Design for Color Contrast: Ensure that the colour contrast between text and background elements is sufficient for readability. Use colour combinations that meet WCAG 2.1 standards for contrast, considering individuals with low vision or colour blindness. Avoid relying solely on colour to convey information and use other visual cues or text alternatives where necessary. This great tool on accessibleweb.com can test your colour combinations.
Make Multimedia Elements Accessible: Ensure that any multimedia elements, such as videos or interactive simulations, are accessible. Provide synchronized captions, audio descriptions, and transcripts as discussed earlier. Also, ensure that multimedia elements can be paused, stopped, or navigated easily to accommodate users who need more time to process information.
Test with Assistive Technologies: Regularly test your e-learning content with assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnifiers, and keyboard navigation. This helps identify any barriers or issues that may hinder accessibility. Conduct user testing with individuals with disabilities to gather feedback and address specific accessibility needs.
Provide User Customization Options: Allow users to customize the display and functionality of your e-learning content to suit their accessibility preferences. Offer options to adjust font size, color schemes, contrast, and playback speed. This empowers learners to personalize the content based on their individual needs.
Stay Updated on Accessibility Standards: Familiarize yourself with the latest accessibility standards and guidelines, such as WCAG 2.1 or the forthcoming WCAG 3.0. Regularly review your e-learning content to ensure compliance with the latest accessibility recommendations.
By following these guidelines and considering the needs of individuals with disabilities, you can create e-learning content that conforms to the AAA standard of accessibility. Remember, accessibility in e-learning is essential for providing equal educational opportunities and fostering inclusivity for all learners.