Making SL-based Coursework Accessible for All Students and Instructors

Copyright © 2010, Virtual Ability, Inc.

Making SL-based Coursework Accessible for All Students and Instructors

As presented in Second Life® on March 12, 2010

The text of this presentation can be found here:

http://virtualability.org/PresentationMar122010.aspx

Ann Ludwig (Eme Capalini)

Alice Krueger (Gentle Heron)

Virtual Ability, Inc.




OutcomesAwareness of the importance of creating

accessible learning spaces.

Awareness of 3 forms of accessibility of learning spaces.

Comparison of three approaches to accessible design of virtual learning spaces.

Understanding of educational issues related to 4 main types of impairments.


3 Kinds of AccessibilityAccessibility to the space

Accessibility of the space

Accessibility within the space


VOTINGPlease type into Local Chat:

+1 if you agree

0 if it doesn’t matter one way or the other

-1 if you disagree

Could virtual learning spaces help more people with disabilities become educated?


A Level Playing Field?


Impairments Most Difficult in a Virtual Educational Setting

Keyboard/mouse impairments

Hearing/speech impairments

Print impairments


Possible Causes of Keyboard/Mouse Impairment

Paralysis

Amputation

Neurological disease

Degeneration

Blindness


Possible Causes of Hearing/Speech ImpairmentAging

Deafness

Accident or injury

Neurological diseases


Possible Causes of Print ImpairmentAging

Visual impairment

Blindness

Dyslexia

Second Language




Self-Identity


Accessibility to the Learning Space


Access To RL Learning SpacesADA Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities

http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm

Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards http://www.access-board.gov/ufas/ufas-html/ufas.htm

Fair Housing Act http://www.fairhousingfirst.org/fairhousing/requirements.html



http://www.access-board.gov/ufas/ufas-html/ufas.htm

http://www.access-board.gov/ufas/ufas-html/ufas.htm

http://www.fairhousingfirst.org/fairhousing/requirements.html

http://www.fairhousingfirst.org/fairhousing/requirements.html


Access To Online Learning SpacesSection 508

www.section508.gov

Title II of the ADA http://www.ada.gov/pcatoolkit/chap5toolkit.htm

Web Accessibility Initiative http://www.w3.org/WAI/

http://www.section508.gov/

http://www.ada.gov/pcatoolkit/chap5toolkit.htm

http://www.w3.org/WAI/


Assistive Technology for Keyboard/Mouse ImpairmentAlternative keyboard or mouse

Speech recognition software


Assistive Technology for Hearing/Speech ImpairmentGUI to provide print cues

Closed captioning

Sign interpretation

CART


Print Impairments


Assistive Technology for Print ImpairmentScreen magnifiers

Screen readers

Modify GUI


Accessibility of the Learning Space


Accessibility of the Learning Space


3 Approaches to Accessibility of the Learning SpaceMinimal consideration

Emulate real life accessibility

Universal Design of Virtual Worlds


PAIR/SHAREPlease turn to your neighbor.

In IM, please answer this question to each other.

Choose one answer to be shared in Local Chat.

Think of different educational activities in which each of these three kinds of approaches would be appropriate.


Accessibility Within the Learning Space


Consider Impairments Critical to Virtual World Functioning


Print Impairment Issues in Virtual Learning SpacesReadability

Non-visual formats

Name objects

Provide functional assistive technology

Be aware of limitations of assistive technology


Hearing/Speech Impairment Issues in Virtual Learning SpacesVoice

Sound signals

Transcription

ASL as primary language


Keyboard/Mouse Impairment Issues in Virtual Learning SpacesMovement

Seating


OPEN RESPONSEPlease type your short response into Local Chat.

What is the most important consideration you personally need to include in your virtual educational environment planning?


Thank you!Please pick up notecards from the poster to your

left beside the presenters.

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]