Title: Evaluation of web accessibility of an LMS platform: a Portuguese university case

Authors: Sara Vilarinho; Dora Simões; João Batista

Addresses: Department of Communication and Art (DECA), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal ' Digital Media and Interaction Research Centre (DigiMedia), Higher Institute of Accounting and Administration (ISCA), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal ' Digital Media and Interaction Research Centre (DigiMedia), Higher Institute of Accounting and Administration (ISCA), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal

Abstract: In recent years, virtual teaching and training environments, namely learning management systems (LMSs), have been increasingly used to monitor learning and to provide learning materials to students. This investigation evaluates the accessibility of the LMS platform used in a Portuguese university, using web accessibility validation tools, an evaluation made by accessibility specialists, and a focus group with students. This assessment considers the principles of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and universal design (UD) principles to identify platform accessibility errors. The results indicate that the LMS still has many basic-level accessibility errors. The errors are described and systematised and some suggestions for correcting them are presented. Finally, some perspectives for future research are proposed.

Keywords: web accessibility; e-learning; electronic learning; inclusion; learning management system; LMS; LMS accessibility evaluation; Web Content Accessibility Guidelines; WCAG; universal design; universal design in LMS.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLT.2024.143970

International Journal of Learning Technology, 2024 Vol.19 No.4, pp.442 - 462

Received: 21 Apr 2023
Accepted: 03 Jul 2023
Published online: 16 Jan 2025 *

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