Accessibility in Education
This research project delves into the critical challenges and emerging opportunities in the field of educational accessibility, particularly for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in online learning environments. Inspired by a series of case studies and literature reviews, the project aims to address the specific accessibility barriers that were highlighted during the transition to online education amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Motivation
Online learning platforms are vital for educational access, yet they often fall short in meeting the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The rapid shift to online education during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted significant accessibility barriers that these students face. Initially, the educational system was designed with hearing students in mind, creating an inherent challenge for deaf students who require different interaction paradigms. Unlike traditional classroom settings that may offer certain accommodations, online platforms frequently lack the necessary tools and configurations to support auditory disabilities. These challenges are compounded by the constant updates and new applications that require users to continually adapt and learn new systems and workflows.
Project Goals
The primary objective of this research is to develop actionable insights and innovative solutions that can be implemented to improve online learning platforms and methodologies, making them more inclusive for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. By fostering a better understanding of the specific needs of these students, the project seeks to influence educational policies and practices, ensuring that all learners have equal access to quality education regardless of their hearing capabilities.
Charectrization
Our project carried out a series of case studies and literature reviews to characterize the unique challenges faced by deaf and hard-of-hearing students in online learning environments. These studies revealed a pressing need for more inclusive educational practices and technologies. For instance, a detailed case study of the Blackboard learning management system through surveys and user reviews identified significant gaps in auditory accommodations. Additional insights were gained from exploring the perspectives of deaf students in different global contexts, including a significant case study from Saudi Arabia, which highlighted cultural and systemic factors influencing the educational experiences of these students during the pandemic.
Human-Powered
In response to these findings, this research investigates how in-context, human-powered solutions can be implemented to enhance accessibility. By integrating feedback from the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, we aim to develop tools and strategies that not only improve the usability of online learning platforms but also empower users by increasing their educational independence. These solutions include the development of tailored tutorials, interactive aids, and real-time assistance features designed specifically for auditory accessibility challenges.
Accessibility Layers
Our research also focuses on creating a layered approach to accessibility that addresses both immediate and long-term needs. We are exploring the development of a consistent and personalizable user interface tailored for deaf and hard-of-hearing students on educational platforms. This interface aims to standardize the online learning experience and make it more accessible, taking into account both novice and expert users. By leveraging detailed user feedback and case study insights, the project seeks to foster a paradigm shift in how educational content is delivered and accessed by students with auditory disabilities, aiming to establish a support network where none previously existed.
