L.E.A.R.N.
A = Accessibility
You may or may not know that I am a disabled artist. I am partially blind in my left eye due to a botched surgery to repair a torn retina and, as a consequence of said surgery, I live with a degenerative eye condition that is robbing me of the rest of my sight in that eye. I also have a frequency impairment in my hearing. What that means is, that if there is background noise, I can't differentiate dialogue from the other sounds. This means that I rely on accessibility features in my day-to-day life.
The truth is, this newsletter was born out of my frustration not just with the poor design of courses, but the lack of accessibility features in so many courses as well. I got tired of writing to course creators asking for captions and transcripts. The last time I had to do it, I decided to make it my mission to educate course creators on how to design courses with their students in mind. And, here we are on the letter "A" in my L.E.A.R.N method. And, A is for accessibility.
Accessibility in online learning is a crucial aspect of education that often goes overlooked. As our world increasingly shifts to digital platforms, ensuring that everyone can participate fully in online courses is not just a necessity; it’s a fundamental right. When you're able-bodied, this can often be missed. But imagine, just for a moment, that you lost the ability to hear. You can still see, can still move your hands and feet, and you want to take an online course. This should be simple, but instead, you can't because the course creator put all their energy into the video for the course, didn't provide captions, and only put minimal effort into the narrative accompanying the course. You've now wasted money and time. In addition, that course creator has alienated a whole segment of the population that could benefit from their course.
I'm not strictly speaking the deaf community in this scenario either, this could be those with hearing that's impaired, those where the language spoken is their second language, or anyone who learns best reading. All of these audiences are lost for want of captions and a transcript. That math doesn't add up for me. If it doesn't add up for you either, let's dive into the benefits of making your courses accessible.
Inclusivity = Everybody Wins
Accessibility in online learning means creating an inclusive environment where all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, can thrive. This encompasses a variety of elements, including text-to-speech capabilities, closed captioning for videos, and screen reader compatibility. These tools empower individuals with visual, auditory, or cognitive challenges to engage with the content on equal footing with their peers.
Why is this so important? For one, the numbers speak volumes. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability. This means that millions of potential learners are often excluded from educational opportunities due to inaccessible materials and platforms (WHO, 2021). By prioritizing accessibility, we not only broaden our audience but also enrich the learning experience for everyone involved.
Moreover, accessible online learning isn’t just beneficial for those with disabilities; it enhances the experience for all students. Features like subtitles or transcripts can help everyone better understand complex material and improve retention rates. A study by the National Center on Disability and Access to Education found that students using captions performed better in comprehension tests compared to those who didn’t (NCDAE, 2018). This shows that inclusive practices create a win-win situation—helping diverse learners while also benefiting the entire student body.
Additionally, fostering an accessible learning environment aligns with the principles of equity and social justice. Education should be a space where all voices are heard and valued, and when we make learning materials accessible, we take a step towards dismantling the barriers that historically marginalized groups face. This commitment is not only ethical but also vital for cultivating a rich and diverse educational landscape.
Incorporating accessibility features can seem daunting for educators, but it doesn’t have to be. Many platforms offer built-in tools that simplify the process, and numerous resources are available for training and support. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology provides a wealth of guidelines and best practices for making online content accessible (USDOE, 2020). By investing time and effort into accessibility, educators and institutions can create a more inclusive environment for all learners.
As we continue through the A in L.E.A.R.N., we'll walk through different ways to make your courses accessible that aren't a hardship and that will set your students - all of them - up for success.
TAKE ACTION: For existing classes, inventory all of your video content and assess: 1) are captions provided, 2) is a transcript provided, and 3) is a comprehensive narrative included?
For new classes, make a list of each video you intend to create. We'll talk about how to do the rest in future newsletters.
Sources:
World Health Organization (2021). "Disability and Health." WHO Website.
National Center on Disability and Access to Education (2018). "The Effect of Closed Captioning on Student Learning." NCDAE Website.
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology (2020). "Promoting Accessibility in Online Learning." USDOE Website.
