I am an advocate of inclusive learning, which means I believe everyone deserves equal opportunities to learn regardless of barriers such as disability, location, or ethnicity. I’m constantly looking for ways to make eLearning more accessible for those with disabilities, and there are many ways to do that. Here are some specific ways I am incorporating accessibility into my eLearning courses and why it’s important to me.
Everyone deserves to learn
No matter who you are, what your circumstances are, or where you live, you have a right to education. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to quality education. This is why I believe that it is important to design eLearning courses that are accessible to everyone.
Not being accessible makes me a bad person
When I design eLearning, I want everyone to be able to use and benefit from it. That's why accessibility is so important to me. Unfortunately, not everyone has the same level of ability when it comes to using technology. That's why it's important for me to design my elearning courses with accessibility in mind. By making my courses accessible, I'm ensuring that everyone can learn and benefit from them. And that's something that's important to me.
Not being accessible is illegal
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if your business is providing a service to the public, you must make sure that service is accessible to people with disabilities. This includes online services and content. If your website or eLearning courses are not accessible, you could be in violation of the ADA.
Not being accessible is bad for business
When creating digital content, it's important to consider accessibility from the start. Making your content accessible is not only the right thing to do, but it's also good for business. By making your content accessible, you can reach a larger audience and create a more inclusive learning environment.
We need more blind (and dyslexic, and autistic, etc.) entrepreneurs
In a world that is increasingly digital, it is more important than ever to make sure that everyone has access to education and information. That's why I'm committed to making eLearning accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.
SUBSCRIBE Philip's Learning Talks YouTube channel (House of how-to learning videos) to get regular updates on the best practices and smart tips on eLearning.
How I can make my courses more inclusive?
There are many ways to make courses more inclusive, but here are a few key things to keep in mind:
Use clear and concise language
Avoid using jargon
Structure content in an easily digestible format
Use multimedia elements sparingly and only when they enhance the learning experience
Make sure all course materials are accessible to everyone, regardless of ability
Provide alternative ways of accessing content for those with different learning styles
Allow for flexible deadlines and accommodations as needed
Offer Accessibility Features by Default
When you design eLearning content, always offer accessibility features by default. That way, everyone can benefit from them, not just those with disabilities. For example, use closed captioning for videos and provide transcripts for audio files. When possible, use plain language and provide alternative text for images.
Have Simple Language in Your Content
When you design eLearning content, use language that is simple and easy to understand. This will make it more accessible for everyone. Also, keep in mind that not everyone has the same level of education. So, use language that is appropriate for the audience you are trying to reach.
Keep it Short
When it comes to eLearning, one size does not fit all. Just as each learner is different, so too are their needs when it comes to taking in new information. That's why it's important to tailor your eLearning content to meet the needs of every learner.
SUBSCRIBE Philip's Learning Talks YouTube channel (House of how-to learning videos) to get regular updates on the best practices and smart tips on eLearning.
Offering Closed Captions is a Must
eLearning should be accessible to everyone, regardless of whether they have a disability or not. That's why it's important to offer closed captions with your eLearning content. Closed captions provide a text version of the audio in your eLearning content, making it accessible to those who are deaf or hard of hearing. But that's not the only reason to offer closed captions. Closed captions can also be helpful for those who want to learn a new language, or for those who simply prefer to read along while they listen. Regardless of the reason, offering closed captions is a must if you want your eLearning content to be truly accessible to all.
Provide Audio Descriptions for Video
Audio descriptions are a way to provide access to visual information for people who are blind or have low vision. By adding audio descriptions to your videos, you can make your content more accessible and inclusive.
Don’t use Flash in Online Learning Materials
While Flash was once a popular format for online learning materials, it is now outdated and not universally accessible. Many modern devices, including mobile phones and tablets, do not support Flash. In addition, Flash content is not always compatible with screen readers, which are used by people with visual impairments. As a result, it’s important to avoid using Flash in online learning materials.
Inclusive learning is the access to learning opportunities that are free and available to all people, regardless of their abilities, location, and background. Learning is accessible when it’s open to as many people as possible, regardless of their disabilities, needs, or socio-economic status. When we make learning inclusive, everyone can reach his or her full potential and make the most of life’s opportunities. So how do we make eLearning inclusive? It all starts with one word...accessibility!
Meet Philip, who is optimistic by nature, a teacher by profession, and a musician by selection. He is passionate about learning experience, accessible learning, interactive learning, instructional design, learning strategy and a lot more. Check out his talks in Philips Learning Hub or Philips Learning Talks YouTube Channel.
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