How can online tutoring platforms be made more accessible?

Learning Management Systems (LMS) are a critical tool for delivering online education, but unfortunately, many of the mainstay LMS providers have not kept up with the speed of current technology or the accessibility requirements now considered commonplace. As a result, many students and educators are struggling with outdated and inaccessible platforms that hinder the learning experience. It's important for LMS providers to prioritize accessibility and regularly update their platforms to ensure a smooth and inclusive learning experience for all users.

An important consideration is the level of online / tech that is required. Many in the global south need lowtech edutech solutions - solutions that do not consume much bandwidth, can operated on older devices (laptop and mobile), and that facilitate some offline component too. It seems counter productive in many ways, but it is about bringing access to customers with the technology they have, not just creating innovative technology-embedded experiences for those priveleged enough with strong wifi connectivity and latest devices.

o enhance accessibility, tutoring platforms can: 1) Ensure user interface accessibility with features like high contrast options. 2) Offer multi-lingual support for diverse users. 3) Provide flexible scheduling options. 4) Offer diverse tutoring subjects and learning styles. 5) Implement affordable pricing and financial assistance. 6) Support various payment methods. 7) Ensure inclusive communication channels. 8) Provide training for tutors on accessibility and inclusive teaching. 9) Regularly seek user feedback for improvement.

Put the needs of each learners into consideration. By provide captions for videos and transcripts for audio content to assist those with hearing impairments. Provide language option for learners.

I am a big advocate of ethnography as it is usually a good indicator of real behavior. My recommendation is for educators and innovators to spend as much time as possible with their end users. Surveys and polls just won't cut it. The reality is that it's also not possible to cater to every single demographic. For an online learning solution to be effective it has to be focused on the core demographic it is serving. You just wouldn't teach corporate sales to a kid in primary school and vice versa. Be focused and deliberate about the learning solutions and experiences you want to deliver.

Prioritizing inclusivity from the outset is essential, ensuring the platform caters to a diverse array of users. This involves crafting an intuitive interface with clear navigation, accommodating individuals with varying levels of digital proficiency. Compatibility with assistive technologies, such as screen readers, is crucial for users with disabilities. Customizable settings, like adjustable font sizes, cater to individual preferences, while providing alternative formats for multimedia content ensures accessibility for users with sensory impairments. By embracing universal design, the aim is to create an inclusive online tutoring environment that empowers all learners to succeed academically.

Universal Design (UD) principles can make online tutoring platforms more accessible for all. This means offering information in multiple formats (text, audio, visuals), allowing for various interaction methods (voice chat, text, diverse response options), and keeping students engaged through interactive elements and personalized learning paths. By following UD, platforms can create an inclusive environment where everyone can learn effectively.

When tutoring online, students often enjoy very visual content. I tutor sciences, so having the ability to share or create anatomically correct diagrams of organisms along with micrographs can be very engaging. When a student is able to also take control of the whiteboard this makes it far more engaging and inclusive.

I agree that it is important to develop inclusive content, but it should not be to the detriment of the learning itself. Much like an online tutoring platform won't be the same for a child as it would be a for a corporate executive, the content must also reflect the intended audience. Learning content can't be one-size-fits-all and so educators and instructional designers must once again be deliberate about who their target audience is and what the expected learning outcomes are.

I agree. I also tutor science and find visual-kinaesthetic simulations (e.g. Phet circuit building or light experiments simulations) allow students to do practical work online, bringing the content to life.

Diverse and inclusive content is key to making online tutoring platforms more accessible. By offering materials that reflect a range of cultures and backgrounds, students feel seen and valued. Additionally, providing information in multiple formats like text, audio, and video caters to different learning styles, ensuring all students can engage with the content effectively.

Au delà du LMS, les capsules pédagogiques doivent également intégrer des fonctions permettant de rendre les contenus de formation accessible. Cela est valable pour les modules E-learning, les serious game ou encore les vidéos pédagogiques.

A subscription model is an excellent way for learning business leaders to earn predictable revenue and customers to have predictable costs. Be sure to include an automatic cancellation policy that kicks in after a certain level of activity falls to zero. This will both enhance your brand reputation and provide reasons to talk with your learners about their progress.

Make them affordable: Reduce costs so more students can use them. User-friendly design: Ensure the website or app is easy to use for everyone, including people with disabilities. Support different languages: Offer materials and help in various languages to reach more users. Flexible schedules: Allow students to learn at their own pace and time. Tech support: Provide help for users who might have trouble with technology. Diverse learning materials: Use videos, audio, and interactive activities to suit different learning styles.

The problem with many learning platforms today is that they were built more for administrators and the "buyers" of such platforms rather than the end users. What I mean by this is that most OG learning platforms tend to have a poor learning experience and are not often easy to use. This often stems from the fact that these platforms were not built by experienced educators or operators, which is why there is a disconnect. To empower end users, you need to actually base your experiences around the users and walk a mile in their shoes.

Les tuteurs doivent en effet favoriser l'utilisation de tableaux blancs numériques ayant des fonctions d'accessibilité, créer des supports de cours lisibles et adaptés aux handicaps de leurs apprenants. Cela nécessite généralement une formation complémentaire et un accompagnement au changement pour beaucoup d'entre eux. Ce que nous mettons en place pour nos clients.

Remember to create accessible but rich learning content. I often see learning designers harm the richness in the pursuit of accessibility. We can use case studies but make them accessible. We can create simulations but make them accessible. We can tell stories, but tell them using technologies that make them accessible. We should still try to swing for fences when designing learning for all audiences.

User Feedback Training and Support Collaboration with Accessibility Experts Regular Accessibility Audits Community Engagement Partnerships with Educational Institutions Providing comprehensive training materials, aids tutors and learners in maximizing accessibility features. Collaborating with accessibility experts ensures thorough identification and mitigation of barriers. Regular audits maintain compliance with standards and detect emerging issues. Engaging with the broader accessibility community fosters knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Lastly, partnerships with educational institutions prioritizing accessibility enrich resources and insights. Integrating these considerations with universal design principles advances accessibility.