Towards an accessible learning management system. (13th April 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kalnins-Cole, Tristan; Peters, Dorian
• Is Part Of: International journal of continuing engineering education and lifelong learning. Volume 17:Number 1(2007)
• Page Start: 84
• Page End: 96
• Publication Date: 2007-04-13
• Subjects: accessibility evaluation -- compliance evaluation -- learning management systems -- e-learning platforms -- standards -- online learning -- education -- open source software -- disabilities -- physical disability; Engineering -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 620.00715
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1560-4624

Abstract

One of the most consistent problems with modern learning management systems is their failure to comply with international standards for accessibility. Accessibility guidelines ensure that students can use educational websites, regardless of physical disability. When compliance is not met, students with disabilities may be excluded from online learning. This is a problem, not only because of the clear moral obligation educational institutions have to provide equal access to learning for all students, but also because accessibility compliance has been mandated by law in many countries including the USA, Canada, the UK and Australia. Yet, when educational institutions turn to the vendors of even the most popular learning management systems, they are faced with vague statements of commitment but no actual compliance with international standards. One of the key advantages of open source systems is the user community's freedom to improve the software and make changes as necessary. In this paper we describe an accessibility evaluation, the first step to compliance, for the open source e-learning platform .LRN. We provide the results of this evaluation, and consequent recommendations for development changes that would make .LRN compliant with the W3C international standards for accessibility.