The 'massive' and 'open' nature of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) can provide powerful dissemination tools to raise awareness of topics in need of public attention, such as digital accessibility and its impact on assistive technology users. The subject is a wide-ranging one when taught from the point of view of those who may have sensory, physical and/or cognitive impairments coping with a myriad of digital activities on a daily basis. These may range from creating and viewing documents, surfing the web to using a mobile or a washing machine. An analysis of the interactions and learning experiences of those who completed the FutureLearn Digital Accessibility MOOC was conducted, using a combination of statistical and qualitative methods. Preliminary results indicate a progressive loss of participants over time, which is to be expected with MOOCs. However, certain measures such as the number of comments per participant, completed steps, and the "likes" count suggest a relatively high degree of engagement from this particular learning community. After examining the topics that triggered most participation, a suggestion has been formulated to repurpose parts of the course in order to exploit its most engaging sections and offer alternative forms of support for those activities that required more explanation.
Ten years after an original survey, this article reports findings from a 2017 survey of secondary school staff involved in school-based management of GCSE examination access arrangements. A total of 263 respondents, including specialist assessors and SENCos, explained their views on the manageability and fairness of processes for GCSE examination access arrangements. While the perceived fairness of GCSE access arrangements has increased, a majority of respondents do not consider current processes to be manageable at the school level or equally fair to students. However, almost two-thirds of respondents would support some extension of access arrangements or use of technological assistance on the basis of student need. The researchers recommend promotion of partnership between the qualifications regulator, awarding bodies and schools; enhanced shared understanding of the purpose, place and limitations of access arrangements; and use of a school-based protocol to manage roles and resource requirements for the organization of access arrangements.
Creating and sourcing accessible Open Educational Resources is a challenge. Although slides are one of the primary forms of educational resources, there has been little focus on what is required to make slides containing different media accessible and how to encourage authors to improve accessibility. This paper examines the components within slide presentations that impact accessibility and will evaluates six different approaches for encouraging authors to add accessibility issues. Authors indicated a preference for being encouraged and guided to resolve issues rather than allowing for automatic corrections.
Recent changes to the regulation of digital services could represent a step-change in the accessibility of public sector websites and applications in the UK and across Europe. Accessibility will be centrally monitored meaning the onus is no longer exclusively on disabled people to issue legal challenges to digital exclusion. How will these changes affect disabled people in the UK, in light of Brexit and the complex relationship between standards and disability? ARTICLE HISTORY
PurposeThe paper's aim is to focus on: two projects that investigated innovative assistive technology solutions for people who sign (uKinect) and people with print impairments (MyDocStore); and a second phase that aims to create working prototypes for commercialisation.Design/methodology/approachThe approach was, in part, determined by the funding stages. In proof of concept phase, the organisations explored possibilities, identified barriers and, through user testing and feedback, refined processes. Trials are set to continue in Phase 2, when both projects will extend and improve functionality. uKinect applies gesture recognition and Microsoft's Kinect to the communication needs of Makaton sign language users. MyDocStore uses Cloud, desktop and mobile‐based file management to facilitate transfer of text files, converted into the user's preferred format, between devices. Both employ user‐centred development.FindingsuKinect helped signing learners to improve the clarity of their signing, while its linking of signing with computer games encouraged non‐signing students to decide to learn. MyDocStore demonstrated the possibility of automatic conversions and identified the benefits of such a system.Practical implicationsuKinect will accommodate varying levels of signing ability. MyDocStore will enable educational establishments to provide a variety of alternative formats simultaneously.Social implicationsuKinect aims to aid the transition into independent living and employment for Makaton users with learning difficulties and autism. MyDocStore's emphasis on mobile technology, automated conversions and multi‐platforms will make print‐impaired learners more independent and productive.Originality/valueThe paper shows that both systems use easily available, existing technology to provide accessible solutions for the target communities.
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