SP16 | Accessible Digital Assessments for All Learners | Shashank Kapur & Christine Loew
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The presentation will explore the critical role of digital accessibility in education, with an emphasis on the importance of designing and implementing accessible digital assessments to ensure inclusivity. The discussion will include an overview of technologies and tools used by the College Board, such as Barrier Break's tools, A11yInspect and A11yNow, highlighting their effectiveness and ease of use, with a live demo. Case studies from both organizations will illustrate successful implementations and provide valuable insights and lessons learned. The presentation will also highlight the significance of collaboration between educational institutions and accessibility consulting firms, advocating for a hybrid approach that combines technological advancements with human expertise. Best practices for maintaining accessibility standards are shared, followed by an interactive Q&A session to engage the audience and address their questions and concerns. This comprehensive approach aims to foster a deeper understanding of digital accessibility and promote practical strategies for achieving accessible digital assessments. Leveraging first-hand industry insights and engaging case studies, we will explore:
- Digital Accessibility and Its Importance in Education: Digital accessibility ensures that all learners, regardless of their abilities, can access and benefit from educational resources. Designing and implementing accessible digital assessments is crucial for inclusive education and ensures an optimal experience for all test takers. Barrier Break will provide a live demo of their accessibility tools.
- Case Studies and Real-World Applications: Examples will provide insights into the practical challenges and solutions encountered in the education and assessment space. Lessons learned from these experiences highlight the importance of thorough planning, testing, and continuous improvement to achieve accessibility goals.
- Collaborative Efforts and Best Practices: A hybrid and holistic approach, combining the latest technologies with human expertise, ensures comprehensive accessibility. Integrating user feedback and live experiences into the development process exemplifies this methodology. Sharing best practices helps institutions maintain accessibility standards while adapting to evolving technologies.
By focusing on these key areas, the presentation aims to highlight the importance of accessible digital
assessments and provide practical strategies for achieving them.