Virtual learning is not always the perfect method for all types of people. At least, if you cannot address the 3 learning impairments that serve as barriers for some learners. However, thanks to certain developments in technology, even those with disabilities can learn online. This is regardless if they lack the important sensory or cognitive abilities to make it a worthwhile learning experience.
Online course developers should take it upon themselves to address these barriers to learning. It is unfair to keep these people from the benefits and convenience of learning online just because of certain disabilities.
But what are the three main virtual learning impairments and how can these be addressed in online courses?
Visual impairment
It doesn’t matter if the person is farsighted, nearsighted, color blind or have blurred vision. You need to make your course in such a way that addresses visual problems. You have to remember that online learning is primarily visual in nature. How can learners who have vision impairments enjoy virtual learning? First of all, you need to make sure the keyboard can be utilized when a mouse cannot be used. For instance, the Tab should allow the user to navigate across different links. Also, make sure the course has an option to use a screen reader. That means staying away from drop down menus because the screen reader could read it as one and lose important navigation points. If you have important links, place text and make sure it can be easily found. Placing a zoom feature is also a great way to address this learning impairment.
Auditory impairment
This type of impairment is probably easier to address compared to problems with a learner’s vision. However, it is still something that should be dealt with by online learners. When the course is purely reliant on text, this should not be a problem. But once you use videos, that can be a challenge. An easy way to address this is to place subtitles. Transcribing the audio is also another way to overcome this learning disability.
Cognitive impairment
The final learning impairment that virtual learning has to address is cognitive in nature. This simply means some people may be slow in learning, remembering, or concentrating. It can also include problems with making decisions. If that is the case, you might have to set up certain elements in the online course to overcome this impairment. First of all, you have to make sure that you use words that are easy to understand. In case there are terms that are industry-specific, make sure the definition is phrased in such a way that a newbie can understand it. If you will use problems to illustrate important points, this has to be easy to solve – or at least the answer should be obvious. Links to further studies and explanations should be made available.
Always consider the level of the learners that will be accessing the virtual learning program. Not only that, you should ensure that learners will always have the freedom to pace their learning without compromising the end result of the course. If they feel like going slow or going back to previous parts of the lesson, this should be allowed.
Virtual learning is a great thing as long as it is accessible by everyone. Do not let any of these impairments hinder someone from learning through your online course.
Image courtesy of patrisyu for FreeDigitalPhotos.net