M-learning accessibility design: A case study

Abstract

In the last few years the number of colleges and universities which provide courses and degree programs via distance education has been growing dramatically. People with special needs will benefit from these online opportunities as long as the information and activities posted to internet sites are appropriately accessible with adaptive technology. This paper presents some research regarding the accessibility design for a mobile learning experience carried out at the Italian National Research Council - Institute for Educational Technologies. In particular, we introduce some considerations about the methodology and the design steps used to build some educational tools on mobile devices which are fully accessible for students with special needs using a compact screen reader (on a Smartphone). Briefly, we outline the common problems of accessing an online learning management system through a Smartphone (services and information), then we introduce the test phase of the designed tools for visually impaired users. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.