One of the main advantages of online learning is the potential for inclusivity and accessibility. Accessibility is a general term and, in relation to the internet, means that a site must be usable for all, including users with disabilities, impairments, and other limitations. On the other hand, inclusivity in an online program ensures that equal access to course content and other resources is provided. Accessibility in digital learning is an important factor that many learners consider before choosing to pursue an online course of study. In some countries, it’s even a legal requirement. For example, the UK requires that websites should be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust (POUR), as well as include an accessibility statement (AbilityNet, 2023).
Looking for a quick summary on how to make your online course or program accessible and inclusive? Here's a list with links to further information.
The importance of accessibility on online learning platforms: How to achieve it
Captions and transcripts
Who they help most: Learners with hearing impairments
Why they’re helpful: When captions and transcripts for videos and audio content are accurate, they’re highly effective at helping learners follow the program effectively. Plus, not only do they help with accessibility in digital learning, but they’re also a valuable resource as a text version of audio/video content, aiding in comprehension and note-taking.
What to do: If your audio/video content has a written script for recording, this can easily be used as a transcript. Otherwise, there are many high-quality transcription technologies available.
Non-obligatory cameras
Who it helps most: Learners with certain sensory needs
Why it’s helpful: For programs with video conferencing, live lectures, or live seminars, some learners may feel uncomfortable having their cameras switched on.
What to do: If possible, communicate to learners that having their cameras switched on is not obligatory.
Clear language
Who it helps most: Learners with learning disabilities; non-native speakers
Why it’s helpful: When the course content’s language is clear and concise, learners have increased comprehension of not only the words being used, but also the overall lessons being taught.
What to do: Write your course content using simple language, while still getting the point across. Make sure all new terminology is effectively explained, and include a course glossary that learners can refer back to. Avoid using jargon and complex sentence structures. Furthermore, if your program has many non-native speakers, consider having your content professionally translated.
Alt text for images
Who it helps most: Learners with visual impairments; Learners using screen readers
Why it’s helpful: Visual content is an integral part of many programs, but not everyone can benefit from it. Including alternative text (alt text) for images increases accessibility in digital learning with descriptions of your images.
What to do: Alt text can usually be added to an image by right clicking and choosing the relevant button in the drop down menu. For guidance on how (and when) to provide alt text, check out this decision tree from Web Accessibility Initiative.
Intuitive structure
Who it helps most: Learners with cognitive disabilities
Why it’s helpful: Structured content is easier to navigate for everyone, but especially those who may struggle to find and digest information. Predictability of course content is also helpful to ease learners’ anxieties or concerns.
What to do: Use headings and subheadings to organise your content logically. If possible, try to structure your content in this way from the outset rather than leaving structure as an afterthought.
Format variation
Who it helps most: Learners with diverse learning styles
Why it’s helpful: When there’s variation in content format, learners are more likely to enjoy, digest, and remember what’s being taught. This flexibility also accommodates different preferences and needs, making the learning experience more inclusive.
What to do: Include various content types and activities in your online learning program, where appropriate. Examples include videos, polls, animations, and quizzes.
Read more: Are Your Online Learners Disengaged? Step Up Your Program With These Tips
Assistive technologies
Who it helps most: Learners with visual impairments; learners who use assistive technology
Why it’s helpful: Being proactive with ensuring your program is compatible with assistive technologies benefits students who use them.
What to do: Consider how your program will work with assistive technologies, such as screen readers, from the beginning of the design process. Then, once built, regularly test your online program to identify and address any accessibility issues that arise.
Keyboard navigation
Who it helps most: Learners with mobility impairments
Why it’s helpful: Keyboard shortcuts are common for many web users to rely on, but for some learners, they may be a necessity. Not all learners can use a mouse or touchpad effectively.
What to do: Ensure that your online program is navigable using only a keyboard, if possible.
Flexible timelines
Who it helps most: Learners with disabilities
Why it’s helpful: Some learners may require additional time to complete assignments and assessments, and reasons for this may vary.
What to do: Be flexible in your deadlines and offer reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities, following established protocols and guidelines. Try to minimise any last-minute changes to your content or requests for your learners, too.
Inclusive community
Who it helps most: All learners
Why it’s helpful: Promoting respect, empathy, and understanding among learners helps create an inclusive learning environment. In turn, this helps all learners feel more comfortable and included in their online program.
What to do: Include discussion boards in your program and encourage discussions about inclusivity in the relevant industry. For example, learners of an online executive education program could be prompted to discuss how executives can improve inclusivity in the workplace.
The importance of accessibility on online learning platforms cannot be overstated. While the above are great tips for improving accessibility and inclusivity in your online learning program, one of the best strategies for program providers is to stay informed. Staying up to date on the latest best practices, as well as regularly seeking feedback from all learners, is a great way to ensure that your course materials continue to align with the most current standards. Remember - inclusive and accessible online education is not just a goal; it's a fundamental right that we must uphold in the digital age.
Accessibility with insendi
Insendi is fully committed to accessibility in education, and we believe in providing an equal experience for all learners. As part of this commitment, insendi has been working with an external consultancy to test the platform.
Our platform conforms to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA issued by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and is Section 508 compliant. You can read our accessibility statement here.