The accessibility of distance learning courses is a major issue at a time when e-learning is becoming increasingly widespread. How can we ensure that these courses are truly inclusive, especially for people with disabilities? This question was at the heart of the webinar organized by Apolearn in partnership with the Centre Académique de Formation Continue de Créteil, on September 27. The event, led by experts in digital accessibility and pedagogy, offered concrete avenues for transforming learning environments thanks to innovations in artificial intelligence.
Speakers and their expertise
The webinar was attended by Isabelle Hondermarck and Florian Roumierspecialists in digital accessibility at the Centre Académique de Formation Continue de Créteil, along with Pierrick Briand and Brice Gaillard from Apolearn, experts in digital learning. Isabelle and Florian presented key concepts linked to the accessibility of distance learning, in particular in compliance with the RGAA (Référentiel Général d'Amélioration de l'Accessibilité), as well as strategies for adapting pedagogical practices to learners with specific needs. Brice Gaillard demonstrated how the AI tools developed by the Apolearn LMS contribute to making training courses more inclusive, notably through automatic subtitling and audio transcription of content.
Webinar highlights
1. Digital accessibility criteria
Florian Roumier began with a regulatory context, recalling the importance of the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and the 2016 European directive, transposed into French law. Compliance with these standards ensures that platforms and content are "perceivable, usable, understandable and robust". Isabelle Hondermarck also stressed the importance of a proactive approach to avoid simply compensating for the needs of people with disabilities.
2. Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
One of the key concepts of this webinar was the universal design for learning. Unlike compensatory practices that seek to adapt content after it has been created, ULC focuses on design that anticipates potential barriers. By directly adapting pedagogical methods, trainers create environments where every learner, whatever their limitations, can fully participate. This involves varying methods of presenting content, ensuring that every learner remains motivated, and making learners actors in their own training.
3. Apolearn's artificial intelligence tools for accessibility
Brice Gaillard presented the tools AI tools available on the Apolearn digital learning platform. These tools include automatic video subtitling, audio-to-text transcription and accessible learning content generation. These functions, integrated into the trainers' workflow, make content more accessible in an automated way, helping trainers to become more efficient. Thanks to these solutions, Apolearn helps training organizations meet the requirements of accessibility standards while simplifying the learning experience.
4. International perspectives on accessibility
The experts also shared examples from international collaborations, notably with Quebec partners as part of an Erasmus+ project. This provided an insight into another approach to accessibility, focusing not just on permanent disabilities, but also on temporary impediments. It's a perspective that broadens the range of solutions available to ensure that every learner has access to quality training.
5. Supporting trainers and continuous improvement
Isabelle Hondermarck reminded participants that making training courses accessible is a process of continuous improvement. Trainers need to be trained, confronted with the realities of learners with disabilities, and adapt their methods according to the feedback they receive. The approach must be progressive, and it's essential not to seek perfection immediately, but rather to improve practices as we go along.
AI, an essential ally for inclusion
Beyond concepts and regulations, this webinar demonstrated AI's ability to transform training accessibility. Using Apolearn's built-in features, such as the AI assistant, trainers can automate tasks crucial to inclusion, such as generating accessible summaries or adapting training materials to the different needs of learners. To find out more about these features, please visit the dedicated page on our website. Apolearn AI.
Why accessibility is crucial for your training organization
The issue of accessibility is not just a legal obligation, it's also a tremendous opportunity. With nearly 15% of the French population living with a disability, and only 5% of digital content actually accessible, it's essential that training organizations take up this issue to offer equal access to education for all. By offering accessible training courses, you stand out as a player committed to equal opportunities, and boost the attractiveness of your offerings.
Get involved now to make training accessible to all
This webinar on accessibility and AI clearly highlighted the importance of making online training accessible, and provided concrete tools and strategies for achieving this goal. To find out more and benefit from Apolearn's support in making your training courses accessible, contact us today.
