Using MOOCs to promote digital accessibility and universal design, the MOOCAP experience

John Gilligan, Weiqin Chen, Jenny Darzentas

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The recently completed Massive Open Online Course for Accessibility Partnership project (MOOCAP), had the twin aims of establishing a strategic partnership around the promotion of Universal Design and Accessibility for ICT professionals and of developing a suite of Open Educational resources(OERs) in this domain. MOOCAP’s eight university partners from Germany, Norway, Greece, Ireland, the UK and Austria have a significant history in developing and providing courses in the domains of Universal Design and Accessibility, as well as leading research and advocacy roles within Europe. The MOOCAP project consisted of two phases: the development of an introductory MOOC on Digital Accessibility and the delivery of set of online courses with more in-depth and focused learning topics. During the lifetime of the project over 10,000 students signed up for these courses. This paper reflects on the challenges of creating and delivering MOOCs, especially in topics around Digital Accessibility and Universal Design. It considers the outcomes, impacts and legacies of the project. Based on our experiences of integrating these materials into our courses and on feedback and project evaluations, this paper will assess the potential of MOOCs to promote Universal Design for ICT and other professionals, while pointing up the possible trials and opportunities of such activities.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTransforming our World Through Design, Diversity and Education - Proceedings of Universal Design and Higher Education in Transformation Congress 2018
EditorsGerald Craddock, Cormac Doran, Larry McNutt, Donal Rice
PublisherIOS Press
Pages78-86
Number of pages9
ISBN (Electronic)9781614999225
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018
Event2018 Universal Design and Higher Education in Transformation Congress, UDHEIT 2018 - Dublin, Ireland
Duration: 30 Oct 20182 Nov 2018

Publication series

NameStudies in Health Technology and Informatics
Volume256
ISSN (Print)0926-9630
ISSN (Electronic)1879-8365

Conference

Conference2018 Universal Design and Higher Education in Transformation Congress, UDHEIT 2018
Country/TerritoryIreland
CityDublin
Period30/10/182/11/18

Keywords

  • Digital Accessibility
  • MOOC
  • Massive Open Online Course
  • Universal Design

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