“Accessibility isn’t Optional” – A Senior Instructional Designer’s take on real inclusive eLearning
Accessibility is more than just a buzzword
eLearning has completely transformed the way we learn, making educational experiences more flexible and accessible than ever before. However, I believe when we talk about “accessibility,” it’s crucial to highlight that it involves much more than just being digital and online. Accessibility considerations should ensure that everyone can engage with e-learning effectively, including individuals with disabilities, different communication needs, learners with various learning styles, and those with personal preferences for engaging with content.
What does accessibility mean for eLearning?
For all learners, eLearning must be user-friendly. This might mean including screen readers for those with visual impairments or adding captions and transcripts for videos so that users with hearing impairments can follow along. For me, it means making sure everyone can access the content in a way that works for them – and I’d be surprised if there are eLearning Content Designers out there who don’t agree.
Accessibility means helping everyone learn in their way. Some people learn best with pictures and videos, others with audio, and some need hands-on activities. Good eLearning should include all these options to suit everyone.
My top three tips for accessibility
When it comes to making e-learning accessible, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Add alt text – Adding alt text for non-decorative images helps visually impaired users understand visual content using screen readers
- Contrast ratios – Maintaining a high contrast ratio for text makes it easier to read for those with visual impairments, ensuring the text stands out against its background. Proper colour contrast is also important for users with colour vision deficiency to distinguish different elements on the screen
- Captions and transcripts options – Offering captions and transcripts for audio and video content, making sure the platform can be navigated with a keyboard
By incorporating these basic elements, I believe e-learning can be made more inclusive and support the diverse needs of learners.
How is technology advancing accessibility?
Technology is always getting better, and this means e-learning is becoming more accessible all the time. I think a great example of this is how AI can now create real-time captions and translate content into different languages instantly. Voice recognition software lets learners navigate courses and complete assignments just by speaking. Plus, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) open new ways to interact with content, making learning more immersive and engaging.
In short, to me, real accessibility in e-learning is about being inclusive. It’s about recognising that every user is different and making sure they all have the tools and resources they need to succeed, no matter their challenges or learning preferences. With technology constantly improving, we all have the chance to shape the future of a better, more accessible e-learning world.
My plea for inclusive design
I think the key to understanding accessibility is recognising that every learner is different and ensuring they all have the tools and resources they need to succeed.
My plea to anyone reading this is to remember that accessibility goes beyond disabilities; it’s about embracing the diverse needs and preferences of all learners. I’d encourage you to design with empathy and inclusivity in mind. Think about how each element of your design can either empower or hinder a learner’s journey, and strive to create experiences where everyone feels capable and included.
Mike Phillipson, Senior Instructional Designer at FE Tech
If you need any support with Content Development, please get in touch with us here www.fetech.co.uk/supplier-enquiry