ERIC Number: EJ1470180
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1369-9997
EISSN: EISSN-2304-070X
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Investigating Faculty Perceptions of Creating and Enhancing Accessible Online Courses with Ally
Open Praxis, v17 n1 p34-45 2025
As online education grows, ensuring accessibility for diverse and marginalized learners has become increasingly critical. This study investigated faculty perceptions of Anthology Ally, a tool designed to enhance the accessibility of online course materials by identifying and resolving accessibility issues. Using survey data from 78 educators at two- and four-year institutions, the research explores faculty knowledge, usage patterns, and attitudes toward Ally, alongside their perspectives on the responsibility for creating accessible online courses. Results reveal that most faculty view Ally as an effective, user-friendly tool that supports accessible content creation and improves student learning experiences. Faculty highlighted Ally's ability to provide alternative formats, offering students flexibility and addressing diverse needs. However, challenges persist, including the time required to use the tool, usability limitations, and insufficient training. The study also identifies a lack of consensus on responsibility for accessibility, with faculty often viewed as the primary drivers supported by instructional designers and other institutional staff. Findings suggest the need for a collaborative, institution-wide approach to accessibility, emphasizing proactive course design, continuous training, and a cultural shift from compliance-driven practices to equity-focused strategies. These insights provide a foundation for developing effective policies and practices prioritizing inclusivity and equitable online learning access.
Descriptors: Online Courses, Instructional Design, College Faculty, Teacher Attitudes, Teacher Surveys, Computer Software, Learning Experience, Educational Improvement, Usability, Technological Literacy, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Time Management, Access to Education, Educational Policy, Equal Education, Inclusion, Educational Legislation, Students with Disabilities, Federal Legislation, Teacher Responsibility, Learning Management Systems, COVID-19, Pandemics, Educational Change
International Council for Open and Distance Education. Lilleakerveien 23, 0283 Oslo, Norway. Tel: +47-22-06-26-30; Fax: +47-22-06-26-31; e-mail: icde@icde.org; Web site: https://openpraxis.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A