Authors:
Yandson Costa
1
;
2
;
Rayanne Silveira
1
;
Ana F. Oliveira
1
;
Luis Rivero
1
;
2
;
3
;
Alana Oliveira
1
;
3
;
Mário Teixeira
1
;
2
;
3
and
Davi Viana
1
;
2
;
3
Affiliations:
1
Directorate of Technologies in Education - DTED/UNA-SUS, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), Sao Luis, Brazil
;
2
MSc Program in Computer Science - PPGCC, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), Sao Luis, Brazil
;
3
PhD Program in Computer Science - DCCMAPI, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), Sao Luis, Brazil
Keyword(s):
Accessibility, Assessment and Redesign, Virtual Learning Environment, Educational Resources.
Abstract:
A system is considered accessible if it allows different users to access its features, even if these users have physical, visual, auditory or any other type of disabilities. Accessibility has become crucial in Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) since these deliver the educational contents as online activities and electronic courses. Despite such importance, one of the most consistent problems with modern learning management systems is their failure to comply with standards for accessibility. Also, those that manage to meet accessibility criteria still receive negative reviews from disabled users. As a result, accessibility issues act as a barrier in the growth of VLEs. In this paper, we intend to reduce this barrier by providing a practical example of how educational institutions can improve their VLEs and their educational resources. We proposed and applied a process for identifying accessibility requirements and implemented these requirements, testing the redesigned VLEs and educat
ional resources with end users. Obtained results are discussed to provide insights on how software engineering teams can improve the accessibility of VLEs and educational resources.
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