Evaluating the Accessibility of Three Open-Source Learning Content Management Systems: A Comparative Study Articles uri icon

publication date

  • June 2011

start page

  • 320

end page

  • 328

issue

  • 2

volume

  • 22

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1061-3773

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1099-0542

abstract

  • Learning content management systems (LCMSs) have become increasingly popular in the educational field over the past few years. However, problems in system design can create difficulties in the interactions between LCMSs and an important sector of the user population. The assessment and monitoring of LCMS accessibility are vital for the guarantee of universal accessibility in education. This article presents a comparative study of the accessibility of three web-based, open-source LCMSs: Moodle, ATutor, and Sakai. Results of the study indicate that barriers to accessibility are present in each of the three systems evaluated. A primary aim of the study is to help detect and correct these barriers such that the goal of universal access in educational environments may one day be achieved.

subjects

  • Computer Science

keywords

  • learning content management systems (lcmss); accessibility; virtual learning environments (vles); disabilities