Communication presented in Eden conference, 16 Oct. 2009.

1. Eden 2009 Manuela Francisco Network learning: New solutions for all? Josélia Neves Distance Learning Unit, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, Portugal Rogério Costa

2. online education advantages Difference Acceptance Communication f2f Geographical Space Learning styles Tradicional environments Preserve identity Communication tools Mobility Strategies and content Online environments People with disabilities

3. Main barriers… USABILITY LEGIBILITY READIBILITY in e-learning contexts AUTONOMY INTERACTION in distance learning contexts

4. Seeking Solutions… USABILITY – PLATFORM / INTERFACE LEGIBILITY – GRAPHIC DESIGN READIBILITY – CONTENT DESIGN AUTONOMY – DIVERSITY / CHOICE INTERACTION – ACTIVITIES TECHNICAL HUMAN

5. Standards and Guidelines RCM Nº 155/2007 W3C/WCAG (technological issues) Portugal…

6. Usability / Legibility Special attention to the Virtual Learning Environment (constraints – platform / Webpage layouts) Navigation and communication tools (key/tab navigation) Contents / Materials

7. Graphic Design – Colour / Contrast

8. Navigation: tab and key moves / screen readers

9. Content - Multi-format – pdf, html, multimedia, audiovisual; - Language usage (easy reading); - Specific solutions for users with special needs;

10. Describing images HTML attributes <alt text> alternative text <longdesc> long description (purposeful descriptions)

11. Audio books

12. Subtitled videos

13. Subtitled videos

14. Sign language

15. Multiformat solution

16. Multiformat solution

17. Final reflection Rules should be guarantee by institutions Formal network learning Rules must be taken by all students, open source developers and social network contributors Informal network learning Network learning (is possible) for All

18. Thank you! Manuela Francisco [email_address] Josélia Neves [email_address] Rogério Costa [email_address] http://www.slideshare.net/manuela.francisco