Accessibility Courseware

Accessibility Courseware
Please note that this material has been collated by University of Toronto SNOW project, the materials need a review for FOSS content

ATutor Learning Content Management System
ATutor is an Open Source Web-based Learning Content Management System (LCMS) designed with accessibility and adaptability in mind. Students learn in an adaptive learning environment. ATutor is available for FREE non-commercial use, and can be downloaded from sourceforge.net.

Distance Learning Universal Design, Universal Access
This article by Sheryl Burgstahler discusses the digital divide with regard to access to distance learning programs. It is part of a special edition of Educational Technology Review.

Design and Implementation of Web-Enabled Teaching Tools
This new book, written by Mary Hricko, explores the issues regarding web accessibility, specifically focusing on those areas that cover the design and implementation of web-enabled teaching tools. Topic covered include Web-based Distance Learning and the Second Digital Divide, Inclusion in an Electronic Classroom: Courseware Design and Implementation, Web-based Teaching and Learning for Blind or Visually Impaired Faculty.

The Imagination Gap: Making Web-based Instructional Resources Accessible to Students and Colleagues with Disabilities
John Slatin's discussion of the AccessFirst Design principle as a way to approach the technical challenge of meeting our ethical and legal obligation to make the Web-based resources we create accessible to all of our students.

Computer and Information Technologies: Resources for the Postsecondary Education Of Students With Disabilities
Results of an empirical study investigating the views and concerns about computer and adaptive computer technologies of postsecondary disability service providers are presented by Adaptech.

Accessibility in Online Learning Management Systems
Report on courseware accessibility tested with Lynx, IBM Homepage Reader, and JAWS. Validation was performed with A-Prompt and the W3C/WAI checklist.

Online Distance Education - Anytime, Anywhere But Not For Everyone
by Axel Schmetzke, Ph.D.

This study focuses on the accessibility of top-level distance-education web pages. It also briefly discusses the legal mandate for accessibility in a virtual campus environment, and reviews the literature dealing with the barrier-free, universal design of online instructional resources.

Courseware Accessibility - The Saga Continues
Seminar given at Accessing Higher Ground: Assistive Technology in Higher Education, November 14-16, 2001, CU-Boulder. Presenter: Laurie Harrison - Education Coordinator, ATRC WebCT, Accessibility, Usability and the Disabled Student - Georgia State University A review of potential barriers for students with disabilities and how they may be avoided in the development phase.

Courseware Accessibility Review 1999
Preliminary study, completed in 1999, evaluated Courseware Products for their support of accessible design and access to persons with disabilities.

Courseware Accessibility Review 2000
Further study investigates barriers faced by individuals in Web-based learning environments and makes recommendations to developers.

Building Accessible Curriculum and Courseware Tools
Summary of several research projects and tools currently on the market, identifying utilities and techniques that facilitate development of accessible online learning materials

Accessibility of the Internet In Postsecondary Education: Meeting The Challenge
A paper looking at accessibility of post-secondary education web sites, by Cyndi Rowland, Ph.D. of WebAIM - incorporates 6 case studies and documents issues facing students.

Why People Can't Use eLearning
A detailed look at what the eLearning sector needs to know about usability and accessibility by Anthony Quinn. SNOW Sponsors and Partners: