@conference {21,
	title = {European unified framework for accessible lifelong learning},
	booktitle = {ALT-C 2007},
	year = {2007},
	month = {2007},
	address = {Nottingham, UK.},
	abstract = {This presentation introduces the European Unified Framework for Accessible Lifelong Learning project (EU4ALL). This project seeks to establish a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) for delivery of accessible eLearning that meets the needs of all learners, including those with disabilities. The project differs from but compliments and supports product design-oriented approaches to accessibility such as the Web Accessibility Initiative{\textquoteright}s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). It provides an architecture for the delivery of content and services that are adapted for and matched to the functional requirements of the individual learner. The project will demonstrate implementations based on several international standards with the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) systems Moodle and dotLRN and also show how typical learning process specifications such as IMS Learning Design may be used to deliver accessible eLearning. Other candidate technical standards include ISO Individualized Adaptability and Accessibility for Learning Education and Training (the internationalization of the IMS AccessForAll specifications) and W3C{\textquoteright}s Composite Capabilities/Preference Profiles (CC/PP). The working methodology of EU4ALL begins with the development of community specified use cases from focus groups and interviews with educational professionals and students. These are augmented by a study of learning support and psychological support services across Europe. The use cases are being used to inform the system design and architecture and its integration with each learning platform. The project{\textquoteright}s work includes work within the standards communities relevant to eLearning. Large-scale evaluations will be conducted and will be carried out over the final year of the project in two leading European distance learning universities to validate the approach, demonstrate the architecture{\textquoteright}s benefit for future implementations and inform the eLearning standards. In pursuing its aims the project will provide support for learners, tutors, universities, vendors and many other stakeholders and show how accessibility can be delivered within and across architectures, organizations, systems and technologies, including static and mobile devices. The presentation will present the issues, principles and report on progress of the project since its start in October 2006. Presented at the Association of Learning Technology Conference, Nottingham, 2007.},
	url = {http://kn.open.ac.uk/public/getfile.cfm?documentfileid=11937},
	author = {Douce,Chris and Porch,Wendy and Heath,Andy and Cooper,Martyn}
}
@conference {18,
	title = {Exploring the extension of learning technology systems for accessibility (ALT-C 2008)},
	booktitle = {ALT-C 2008: Rethinking the digital divide},
	year = {2008},
	month = {2008},
	address = {Leeds},
	abstract = {Introduction The effective use and application of a learning technology system requires an understanding of the context in which it is used and deployed. The design of an {\textquoteright}off the shelf{\textquoteright} system may not, in many cases, immediately reflect the needs of an organisation. As a result a system may have to be modified or updated to ensure it matches an institution or setting in which it is to be deployed. The EU4ALL project (European Unified Approach for Accessible Life Long Learning) is exploring how to enhance the provision of accessible services using MLE?VLE systems. This necessitates understanding how MLE systems can be modified or enhanced. Method There are two main areas of technical focus within EU4ALL: how to create a system that delivers learning material that matches the functional preferences of its users, and how to connect a MLE to an external infrastructure to enable learners to be directly connected to institutional support services. Both these areas require developers to extend and work with existing systems. Results This presentation outlines some of the preliminary findings surrounding the malleability of learning technology systems gathered in the context of the EU4ALL project. A number of dimensions of extensibility regarding two significant systems, .LRN and Moodle are highlighted, illustrating a number of challenges the EU4ALL project faces. Some of these challenges, especially regarding the area of service-oriented architectures (SOA) are outlined and potential solutions presented. Conclusion The participants will gain a greater awareness about how it is possible to extend MLE systems and connect them to external infrastructures and architectures. The work that is presented emphasises the importance of accessibility in e-learning and illustrates how the EU4ALL project could step towards presenting learners with materials and services that are customised to meet their precise needs.},
	url = {http://oro.open.ac.uk/16661/},
	author = {Douce,Christopher and Cooper,Martyn and Porch,Wendy and White,Juliette and HEATH,ANDREW}
}
