AccessAbility: Enabling Technology for Life Long Learning Inclusion in an Electronic Classroom - 2000

A significant portion of the population is at risk of being excluded from online learning environments. People with learning and/or physically disabilities may be prevented from participation due to problems in the design of the learning technology itself or with the pedagogy directing its use. This paper presents an overview of the results of Inclusion in an Electronic Classroom, a study conducted by the Adaptive Technology Resource Centre at the University of Toronto. The study examined six courseware environments as used by people with various disabilities. Results show that it is imperative for courseware manufacturers and instructors to take accessibility into consideration when designing online courses. Operating an accessible, inclusive electronic classroom ensures students with disabilities can participate with parity in global educational exchange.