Web resources should provide varying levels of interaction (Prince Edward Island Department of Education, 2008). This includes an emphasis on the aesthetic and visual appeal, accessibility, and navigation (Boklaschuk & Caisse, 2001).
"Accessible" means a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability in an equally effective and equally integrated manner, with substantially equivalent ease of use. The person with a disability must be able to obtain the information as fully, equally, and independently as a person without a disability." - EDUCAUSE
Boklaschuk, K. & Caisse, K. (2001). Evaluation of educational web sites. University of Saskatchewan.
EDUCAUSE. (2018). ADA Compliance for Online Course Design. Retrieved from https://er.educause.edu/articles/2017/1/ada-compliance-for-online-course-design
Prince Edward Island Department of Education. (2008). Evaluation and selection of learning resources: A guide. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Lessons learned from campuses nationwide have informed an approach that adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act
Providing multiple ways for students to gain knowledge, demonstrate knowledge, and interact goes a long way toward making a course accessible and inclusive for all learners
Many on-line platforms and Microsoft programs offer accessibility checkers that can provide guidance
Accessibility efforts benefit students that prefer alternative learning methods, individuals with disabilities, and persons who may not speak the hosted language
For additional take-aways and tips, check out the EDUCAUSE website:
https://er.educause.edu/articles/2017/1/ada-compliance-for-online-course-design
Multimedia, creative design, and/or interactive learning opportunities should be aesthetic priorities as means to evoke the learner's motivation, imagination, and curiosity to continue (Prince Edward Island Department of Education, 2008).
Prince Edward Island Department of Education. (2008). Evaluation and selection of learning resources: A guide. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.