Everyone seems to agree that flexibility and accessibility are important features of online learning, especially for adult learners, but the terms are used in multiple different ways, and this can cause confusion.
Flexibility
Flexibility is used to describe the fact that learners can study from anywhere and at any time, as long as they have an internet connection. This means that they can fit their studies around their other commitments, such as work, family, or social activities. They don’t need to be in a particular place at a particular time, which gives them the freedom to design their own study schedule.
Accessibility
Accessibility may be used to describe the fact that learners can access online courses from anywhere in the world. They are not limited to the courses offered by their local institutions, and they can choose from a wide range of programs and subjects. This means that they can tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals. It also means that learners who live in a rural area or a small town have access to the same range of online courses and programs as someone who lives in a large city.
Some authors describe this general ability to participate in the learning environment as “access”, while the term “accessibility” is reserved for ensuring equitable access for all learners, including those with disabilities, by designing and delivering digital content that is understandable, navigable, and interactive. Accessibility is crucial for creating inclusive learning experiences and providing equal opportunities for all students. This is an ethical issue, a legal requirement and also good for business as it avoids excluding potential customers from your market.
Accessibility also includes providing content that promotes a variety of learning styles
Here is a summary of how this programme defines the terms flexibility and accessibility.
How to ensure accessibility in online course development
To find out more about how to ensure accessibility in online course development, watch this video, or if you prefer, read the written guide below the video
Press the play button to play the video
Read the guide here instead (or as well)
Further Reading
World Wide Web Consortium (n.d.) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/