Barrier-free E-learning Systems
Providing Access to e-learning technology for users with disabilities

Learning anywhere and any time
Taught entirely online over the Internet.  Starting September 10 and
running for a month. Registration is on the web at
http://easi.cc/workshops/bfel.htm

** This course is now part of the Certificate in Accessible Information
Technology being offered in conjunction with the University of Southern
Maine http://easi.cc/workshop.htm

Instructor: Dr. Norman Coombs

E-learning, distance learning, distributed learning, online learning or
whatever
it is called is the fastest growing movement in today's education world.
University, business and public schools all are adopting one or more forms of
this technology for delivering education and training. It is simultaneously
praised and roundly condemned. In any case, it is sweeping across America and
into other countries. One of the results of the rapidity of this explosive
growth is that little attention has been paid to making these technologies
accessible to people with various disabilities. Modern adaptive computer
technology has the potential to make these technologies more accessible to
such
students than any previous form of education. However, the wrong technology
choices May erect new and needless barriers to the full inclusion of these
students in their ability to use of e-learning systems.  Coombs has been
teaching online for almost 2 decades for the Rochester Institute of
Technology, the New School for Social Research, San Diego State University,
the University of Washington and the University of Southern Maine.


Course Syllabus:

The workshop will involve the use of both streamed audio and streamed video.

Lesson 1 Introduction
How to make your workshop workbook
Part 1: Types of E-learning technologies
Part 2: Types of disabilities
Part 3: Advantages and disadvantages of e-learning for students with
disabilities
Part 4: Disability-related legislation and e-learning

Lesson 2 Adaptive Technology and Courseware Interfaces
Part 1: Alternative output technologies
Part 2: Alternative input technologies
Part 3: Interfacing adaptive technology and courseware

Lesson 3 accessible web design
Part 1: Web Accessability Initiative guidelines and tips
Part 2: Section 508 standards
Part 3: California distance education guidelines
Part 4: What do you have to know?

Lesson 4 Audiopresentations by DL leaders sharing Their experiences and
information
Presentations from several e-learning programs
Several Papers on Distance Learning from past CSUN conferences

Lesson 5 Tips for faculty and content providers
Part 1: Coombs ten tips for e-learning
Part 2: Special problems and special solutions
Part 3: Designing a training program for faculty to learn about accessibility

Lesson 6 accessible Internet Multimedia (audio, video, PowerPoint and more)
Using media redundantly
SMIL! you're on the Internet (providing captions)
When to outsource captioning and transcribing activities

Lesson 7 Beyond the online delivery of e-learning
Access for blind users to drawings, diagrams and charts
Access for blind users to technical texts
When to outsource technical text and graphic production

Lesson 8 System-wide planning and designing for access
Campus-wide responsibility
Writing a campus accessibility policy
Developing a systematic funding plan
Networking on and off campus

Register at http://easi.cc/workshops/bfel.htm

EASI's Beginner's Barrier-free Web Design Course is also beginning
September 10 with newly added material focusing on the needs of both
librarians and disabled student services staff:
http://www.easi.cc/workshop.htm