Short description | | In this talk, we will explore how the ILIAS LMS interface can be designed and optimized to meet international accessibility standards, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the European Accessibility Act (EAA). Accessibility in digital learning environments is not only a legal requirement but also a key factor for inclusivity, learner engagement, and overall user experience. Ensuring that all users, regardless of their abilities, can access and benefit from educational content is fundamental to creating equitable learning opportunities.
We took the ILIAS interface beyond basic usability and transformed it into a truly inclusive experience. This involves improvements in navigation, semantic structure, keyboard accessibility, contrast optimization, and screen reader compatibility. Concrete examples include:
- Navigation improvements: Clear menus, consistent layout, and logical flow between sections.
- Semantic structure: Proper use of headings, labels, and landmarks to help users understand and navigate content efficiently.
- Keyboard and assistive technology support: Enabling all functions, forms, and interactive elements to be fully operable without a mouse.
- Visual optimization: High contrast options, scalable text, and avoidance of color as the only means of conveying information.
Ultimately, the aim is to embed accessibility into the ILIAS LMS interface, demonstrating how it can meet the highest international accessibility standards. Through this, the ILIAS frontend achieves both regulatory compliance and enhanced inclusivity, establishing itself as a dependable and forward-looking interface that supports equal participation in learning, teaching, and collaboration.
Learning objectives:
- Understand the core principles of digital accessibility and the key regulatory frameworks, including WCAG and the European Accessibility Act.
- Identify common accessibility issues in the ILIAS LMS interface and how to address them.
- Discover technical strategies for improving navigation, interaction, and content presentation in the ILIAS frontend. |
