Accessibility and 508 Compliance

Question:
I have a question about the accessibility of the new systems that you'll be reviewing. Do you know which of the systems work well with programs such as JAWS, Window-Eyes, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Zoom Text, etc.? I know that this will be a minor point for vendors when they are doing demonstrations, but we have a number of students who depend on a good articulation to have access to the instructors on-line information. I'd appreciate any information you have.

Answer:
Thanks so much for your question about accessibility. It will be a requirement that our new Learning Management System meets Section 508 compliance. Below are links to accessibility commitment statements of vendors who have been invited to present their LMS products to the College. We understand that Desire2Learn has created an accessibility interest group to address any existing issues.

• Sakai: http://bugs.sakaiproject.org/confluence/display/2ACC/Home
• Moodle: http://docs.moodle.org/en/Development:Moodle_Accessibility_Specification
• Blackboard: http://www.blackboard.com/company/accessibility.aspx
• ANGEL Learning: http://www.angellearning.com/products/lms/accessibility/default.html
• Desire2Learn: They have formed an accessibility interest group early 2007

Will there be a steep learning curve?

Question:
Do you anticipate steep learning curve for professors with the new LMS?

Answer:
At this point it's too early to tell. This will depend upon the product chosen. One of the primary evaluation criteria for a new Learning Management System will be ease of use for both faculty and students. In addition, perceptions of "steep" may depend on the faculty's previous experiences using other management systems or their individual levels of technology proficiencies.

Will I be able to easily convert my WebCT classes to the new LMS?

Question:
I am considerably apprehensive about changing from WebCT to another LMS. I am, and have been for over 6 years, an avid user of WebCT. It takes a considerable amount of time to build a WebCT course. Will the new LMS you are proposing cause me to have to rebuild all my courses from scratch?

Answer:
We certainly hope not. With every change there will be difficulties and hurdles to overcome. However, we are going to insist, as a stipulation in the solicitation, that the new LMS vendor include conversion services or a conversion product in their bid. In addition, your Instructional Technologist will be on-hand to help you fix any portion of your course adversely affected by this change.