This document discusses barriers and solutions to improving accessibility and usability in online education. It identifies main barriers such as usability, legibility, readability, autonomy and interaction that can hinder the distance learning experience. Potential solutions addressed include improving the usability of platforms and interfaces, readability of content, and diversity of choices and activities to promote autonomy and interaction. Standards and guidelines are suggested from organizations like the W3C to make online content more accessible for people with disabilities through designs considering graphic elements, navigation, multi-format materials, descriptive text for images and videos, and audio/sign language options. Formal rules and contributions are needed from institutions, students and developers to maximize network learning access for all.

1. Eden 2009 Manuela Francisco Network learning: New solutions for all? Josélia Neves Distance Learning Unit, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Portugal Rogério Costa

2. online education advantages Difference Acceptance Communication f2f Geographical Space Learning styles Tradicional environments Preserve identity Communication tools Mobility Strategies and content Online environments People with disabilities

3. Main barriers… USABILITY LEGIBILITY READIBILITY in e-learning contexts AUTONOMY INTERACTION in distance learning contexts

4. Seeking Solutions… USABILITY – PLATFORM / INTERFACE LEGIBILITY – GRAPHIC DESIGN READIBILITY – CONTENT DESIGN AUTONOMY – DIVERSITY / CHOICE INTERACTION – ACTIVITIES TECHNICAL HUMAN

5. Standards and Guidelines RCM Nº 155/2007 W3C/WCAG (technological issues) Portugal…

6. Usability / Legibility Special attention to the Virtual Learning Environment (constraints – platform / Webpage layouts) Navigation and communication tools (key/tab navigation) Contents / Materials

7. Graphic Design – Colour / Contrast

8. Navigation: tab and key moves / screen readers

9. Content - Multi-format – pdf, html, multimedia, audiovisual; - Language usage (easy reading); - Specific solutions for users with special needs;

10. Describing images HTML attributes <alt text> alternative text <longdesc> long description (purposeful descriptions)

11. Audio books

12. Subtitled videos

13. Subtitled videos

14. Sign language

15. Multiformat solution

16. Multiformat solution

17. Final reflection Rules should be guarantee by institutions Formal network learning Rules must be taken by all students, open source developers and social network contributors Informal network learning Network learning (is possible) for All

18. Thank you! Manuela Francisco [email_address] Josélia Neves [email_address] Rogério Costa [email_address] http://www.slideshare.net/manuela.francisco