Learning by e-Learning: Breaking Down Barriers and Creating Opportunities for the Visually-Impaired

Abstract

Abstract. Today e-Learning is an important educational tool with multiple benefits. However, to be suitable for a large audience the learning objects, courses, and other forms of e-Learning content should be easy to use for all students, regardless of disability. This paper describes problems often encountered by a blind person using screen reader and voice synthesizer when using e-Learning systems, and proposes guidelines for designers in order to develop more accessible systems.

Understanding domain expert's perspectives and expectations in assistive technology

“…Leporini et al [11] highlight problems that are often encountered by the blind users when using a screen reader and a voice synthesizer. At the same time, they proposed a set of guidelines for designers to develop a more accessible system.…”

Designing Online Courses for Screen Reader Users

“…Research has also been carried out with online learners who use screen readers. Leporini and Buzzi [44] argued that e-learning environments need to be developed with screen reader users in mind. Muwanguzi and Lin [45] described the experiences of five blind students who had taken online courses.…”

Accessible chats for computer supported collaborative learning environments in mobile devices: Doctoral consortium paper

“…However, it can suppose an additional handicap for them because their use can make that some chats do not work properly. For instance, screen reader users face problems when the website is auto-refreshing continuously because the screen reader restarts [24] and the screen reader reads the whole content sequentially again [25]. Moreover, the use of AJAX technology in live regions could cause problems when the content is updated and not tagged properly [26].…”