This presentation explores the importance of e-learning in higher education and showcases the University of South Africa (UNISA) which is the only higher education institution in South dedicated to distance education.
Given at the IAU Seminar on higher education for Education and e-accessibility (IAU HEEFA-ICT4IAL) held on 18-19 November 2014, Ankara, Turkey.
1. The importance of e-accessibility in higher education
Buhle Mbambo-Thata, DPHIL
Executive Director, UNISA Library Services
2. What is e- accessibility?
• ‘E-accessibility is a measure of the extent
to which a product or service can be used
by a person with a disability as effectively
as effectively as it can be used by a
person without that disability’ G3ict
http://www.e-accebilitytoolkit.org
3. Three principles of e-accessibility
• 1 Perceive it
Being aware of a control, and able to
access its information
• 2 Understand it
Knowing what it means and how to use it
• 3 Operate it
Being able to physically reach it and use it
4. Why is it important for HEEFA?
• Inclusivity was important in MDGS, and
remains so in Post 2015 development
agenda
• An imperative in EFA
• Meeting the goals of this symposium
• Critical for developing countries where
large populations live with disability
6. University of South Africa (UNISA)
South Africa’s only dedicated distance higher education
institution
7. Mandate
• To open access to higher education
• Deliver equitable high quality education
wherever people are located
• Remove barriers due distance, technology,
isolation and disability
• To utilise all means possible to develop
knowledge
– Bring people into the knowledge economy
through education and related services
8. Library Services ooffffeerreedd aalliiggnneedd ttoo mmaannddaattee
• Service brochure “translated” to all with print disabilities
• Sign language interpreter from ARCSWiD
• Entrance fees not charged for accompanying person
• Guide dogs allowed in Library
• Extended loan period for library material
• Special services for staff in wheelchairs
• Wheelchair available in Library
• Special parking
• E-collections
9. AAssssiissttiivvee TTeecchhnnoollooggyy
• SignGenius
2221 video clips, to learn sign language. It includes an easy
to use South African Sign Language Dictionary or Tutor
module.
14. Assistive Technology
EEyyee--PPaall
The Eye-Pal scans printed material and
instantly converts text to speech
or sends the information to a Braille
Display for the Blind and Deaf-Blind.
Faster than flatbed scanners,
the Eye-Pal takes only 3-7
seconds from the keystroke
to speech or Braille output.
15. AAssssiissttiivvee tteecchhnnoollooggyy
ZoomText large-print keyboard
With the ZoomText Large Print Keyboard, each key and
button label is easy to see, even in low light, thanks to its
36 point keycaps and black on yellow or white on black
high-contrast colour schemes.
19. CCoonncclluussiioonn
• Inclusion central service philosophy at UNISA
• National laws aligned to e-accessibility and audited
• Ensuring equal access to learning services content
• “Nothing for us without us” -Collaboration with
organisations of people with disabilities central
• Creating appropriate policy framework for e-accessibility
– and measuring impact
• Investing in assistive technologies
• Critical that inclusiveness remains central to
HEEFA
