Online education is transforming many aspects of learning. From corporate training modules to independent online courses, video has become central to digital learning. With video-based instruction comes a demand for accessibility.
More than one in four adults in the U.S. has some type of disability. ADA-compliant e-learning requires accessibility. As an online educator, you also need to comply with international standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). However, accessibility goes far beyond regulatory compliance – it ensures that every learner is able to succeed.
As an online educator, you don’t want your videos to unintentionally exclude large segments of potential learners. Prioritizing accessible e-learning video doesn’t just ensure compliance but makes e-learning a better experience for all learners.
Common barriers learners face without accessible video
Learners who want to watch your e-learning videos may encounter obstacles for various reasons.
- Your learners may be deaf or hard of hearing. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that more than 1.5 billion people across the world have a degree of hearing loss.
- Your learners may be blind or have low vision. WHO states that at least 2.2 billion people worldwide experience some form of vision impairment.
- Learners with cognitive impairments and learning disabilities such as ADHD or dyslexia process information differently from other learners. They may need to learn at a slower pace.
- If your online courses are for learners across the world, they will have cultural and language differences. These can cause misunderstandings and confusion when processing content.
- Limited internet connectivity is common in developing countries and rural areas. This can make large, bandwidth-heavy videos inaccessible.
Accessibility features that enhance inclusion
Addressing the above barriers requires you to integrate specific accessibility features into your video production and delivery.
Captions
Closed captions are a written version of spoken words and sound effects in a video that display in time with what’s happening on the screen. They help the deaf and hard of hearing but are also useful for non-native speakers or those who want to watch videos with audio off. Video captions for education also help learners who prefer visual reinforcement and help to enhance information retention for all learners.
Transcripts
Transcripts are a written record of the audio content of a video. Learners can read them independently of a video. This means they are able to review material offline, which helps in places with limited internet connectivity.
Some learners process text better than audio so they would rather read transcripts. Transcripts also help when learners need to quickly access specific content. When transcripts are interactive, learners can click to go to specific sections in a video.
Audio descriptions
Audio descriptions narrate essential visual details, such as on-screen text, facial expressions, or charts. This ensures that blind or low-vision learners can fully understand visual content. It’s possible to generate these audio descriptions automatically with the use of AI.
Multilingual support
If you want to offer your online courses globally, you need to offer multilingual support. This isn’t only ethical and gives your business an edge. When learners can learn in their home language, they have a better chance of understanding and retaining content.
Customizable playback
When learners have controls to change video speed, rewind, or pause, they can learn at a pace that suits their cognitive abilities best. This gives them the extra time they need to learn. Learners can also watch content they find hard to absorb as many times as they need to understand it.
Accessible video players
Video accessibility tools like accessible video players work with assistive technologies such as screen readers. They also offer alternative keyboard navigation options for learners with motor disabilities who don’t use a mouse. The video player should allow users to toggle between options like captions and audio descriptions.
Features like these eliminate barriers and help all learners to learn better. The Cincopa video hosting platform helps you to deliver inclusive online learning. It offers captions, transcripts and customizable video players to help you meet accessibility standards while improving learner outcomes.
AI tools that enhance inclusion
The use of AI tools can be beneficial when it comes to creating more inclusive learning experiences. As mentioned, they are able to create audio descriptions automatically. AI tools make live translations possible in almost any language. Voice recognition technology keeps improving and is useful for learners with speech impediments. Recordings of individuals with various speech problems help to train AI automatic speech recognition tools.
Technology that supports accessibility
Accessibility standards may seem daunting but you can implement them successfully without having extensive technical expertise. If you use the right LMS and video hosting platform, you don’t have to worry about all the technicalities.
The Cincopa platform allows you to deliver quality videos at speed to all your learners. It doesn’t matter where they live, what devices they use, or whether they have limited internet connectivity. Technology such as a content delivery network (CDN) and adaptive bitrate streaming accommodates them. A CDN will serve a viewer a video from a server closest to them in a network of distributed servers. Adaptive bitrate streaming dynamically adjusts resolution based on a learner’s available internet speed and device capabilities.
The link between accessibility and learner success/retention
Accessible video directly improves learning outcomes and retention.
Deeper engagement
Giving learners multiple ways to consume content means learners have different options to choose from that suit them best. When they can choose how to learn, this offers deeper engagement. Animation capabilities help learners with attention deficits or processing challenges to maintain engagement.
Less cognitive overload
When learners are able to absorb content at a pace that suits them, it reduces cognitive overload. This is really beneficial for learners who have difficulty keeping up in fast-paced learning environments. Other ways to lessen cognitive overload include using clear visuals and high-contrast color schemes. Highlighting essential information through strategic text overlays and consistent design patterns will also help.
Better retention and completion rates
Inclusion and support make learners more likely to complete courses. You may offer support via video messaging and direct learners to supplementary materials when they’re struggling to understand. When they have access to materials that support their needs, completion rates are higher.
Support for diverse learning styles
Accessible video caters to diverse learning styles. It caters to those who prefer to listen and those who like to read as they have access to transcripts. Using more than one learning method helps to reinforce learning and offer long-term retention.
Wider audience reach
From a business perspective, accessibility will broaden your reach. By serving learners with disabilities and international learners, you will grow your reputation and user base. Inclusive content helps to build trust and you are able to position your brand as one that takes social responsibility. When live streaming presentations or webinars, offering translations helps you to reach non-native speakers.
Risk reduction
If you fail to meet accessibility standards, you will risk lawsuits, fines and damage to your reputation. By embedding accessibility into your video strategy, you can protect yourself from legal challenges and show your commitment to equity.
An ongoing journey
Making your videos accessible is an ongoing journey. You need to use the right tools and go for systematic implementation over time. Access to video analytics allows you to observe how learners interact with accessibility features. Over time, your video accessibility will improve due to feedback from learners and applying the data insights you receive from analytics such as video heatmaps. As technology is improving constantly, you also need to ensure that the platform you use offers up-to-date technology.
Conclusion – Inclusive video as a standard, not an afterthought
Accessible e-learning video is not only a legal requirement but also a means for enhancing learning for all learners. It should be a part of video design rather than an optional add-on. It can benefit all learners, even those who don’t want to disclose their disabilities. It helps to level the playing field and even learners who don’t need them can benefit from accessibility features.
On Cincopa’s home page, signing up for a free trial will help you to find out how to incorporate accessibility features in your videos right from the start. You will be able to create a richer and more equitable learning environment where every learner can thrive.
