Accessibility within Edtech
This week I took part in a webinar focusing on the importance of accessibility within edtech, and how schools could embrace it within their digital strategy.
In many schools, the answer to some accessibility needs is to “give them a laptop” – but the true benefits a device can bring to making learning (and indeed teaching, as it’s not just the pupils who can benefit from the tools) are often not fully realised.
There are of course many different needs that accessibility tools need to assist with – but the range of tools and hardware that is out there can make technology easier to use in many different cases.
Within my part of the webinar, I focused on the importance of choosing the right hardware and platform. The good news is accessibility tools are built in across every platform, from iPads to Chromebooks, Windows devices to Android devices and Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. There are also many accessible hardware solutions, such as Microsoft’s adaptive accessories.
Choosing the right hardware
Key points to consider, when looking at accessible hardware, is actually no different to the many considerations that those who require adaptive technology probably face when looking at anything. Can it support the users requirements – but some areas are pretty universal.
The actual form factor, and therefore its input methods are key. Is it portable, light, robust, good battery life if it is going to be a critical tool? Does it have a touch screen or a webcam to support eye control? A decent microphone so it can allow voice commands, or bluetooth for accessories.
A key area I also flagged is if a device is to be used in school and become a key part of learning – what if it goes wrong? Is the device covered by a warranty or insurance that expedites its return to availability, or, is a spare device required?
Software Solutions
There are some fantastic tools baked into all the key operating systems, such as transcription and subtitles, high contrast and magnification, voice and eye control. These are all pretty standard, and being part of the OS, they work across a large swathe of software running on the devices.
That said, some platforms have gone further to engage with a range of learning tools that can benefit users who might only need assistance at specific points, or indeed – tools that help accelerate learning,.
A fantastic example of this is Immersive Reader, a multi tool of accessibility aids, that works throughout the Microsoft platform, and beyond. Allow users to read or listen to text in a customisable experience with sizes, colours and read back options that suit them and are uniform throughout. The tool doesn’t stop there, however – allowing language to no longer be a restricting factor, with immediate live translation of content with no input from others required. And, it’s device agnostic, working across Windows, Apple and Google hardware and software.
Essential training
Having the right hardware and software in place is of course a key element, but if users of the hardware and software are not aware of the existence of the many tools and features that they can access (many, if not all, instantly and without cost) – then they will make no impact whatsoever.
So training and awareness is key, because many of the tools present can help all users – for example dictation, available across all devices and platform can be a better way to work for many. There are also many times when transcription and subtitles have helped me follow discussions easier, perhaps if I am in a noisy location or I miss a key point.
Further Reading
I am not an expert on this area, however I learnt a lot listening to Clara from TA Education, and Michael from NASEN during our webinar – and I wanted to share some of the insights I gained, which is the reason for this blog post! But the following links will help showcase the help available:
- Microsoft Accessibility Tools: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility
- Google Workspace for Education Accessibility Tools: https://edu.google.com/our-values/accessibility/
- Chromebook Accessibility Tools: https://edu.google.com/our-values/accessibility/chromebooks-accessibility/
- Apple Accessibility Tools: https://www.apple.com/accessibility/
- Microsoft Learning Accelerators: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/learning-tools/learning-accelerators
- NASEN – https://www.nasen.org.uk
