INDUSTRY WATCH
“ Because we ’ d already established the platform as a one-stop-shop for learning and training , we were able to simply collect links to any mandatory courses and send them to all our employees and volunteers through Brightspace ,” Hendrey said .
“ We then made it an assignment for anyone who had completed those courses to upload their certificates so we could run reports with just a single click to know who was up-todate with their training .”
Key facts :
• Accessibility . Vision Australia ’ s diverse workforce includes a number of employees and volunteers who require the use of screen readers and screen magnifiers . Brightspace ’ s ability to easily integrate with applications like the JAWS screen reader and ZOOM text magnifier ensured all stakeholders could fully engage with their training : “ One of the main things that attracted us to
THERE ’ S NO HALF- MEASURES WHEN IT COMES TO ACCESSIBILITY – A PLATFORM MEETS THE STANDARDS OR IT DOESN ’ T .
D2L ’ s Brightspace platform was its rich accessibility options . As well as being compatible with a wide range of screen readers , the built-in Brightspace Accessibility Checker helps us detect potential accessibility issues in our courses automatically ,” Hendrey said .
• Monitoring . Previously , Vision Australia found it difficult to keep track of learner progress because their prior LMS relied on Excel spreadsheets and Word documents which were cumbersome and time-consuming to manage – with Brightspace , detailed reports that track to learning outcomes can be generated with a single click : “ From an audit perspective , we can now show real evidence of the competencies and learning outcomes that each learner has developed through real-time snapshots of everyone ’ s progress . With the competency feature , we can now show more than just whether someone has completed a course , but whether or not they ’ ve comprehended it – that ’ s really powerful for us .” Casey said .
• Support . Beyond the technical capabilities , Vision Australia has received on-going support in how to best design courses and use the platform ’ s functionality to achieve desired learning outcomes : “ Any questions we have or help we need , D2L has always been there to support us . They really understand what it is we ’ re trying to achieve , so for us the relationship is more like a partnership ,” Casey said .
“ There ’ s no half-measures when it comes to accessibility – a platform meets the standards or it doesn ’ t ,” said Tony Maguire , Regional Director ANZ at D2L .
“ Vision Australia has proudly led the way in ensuring those who are blind or have low vision can more equitably participate in educational and employment opportunities . Thanks to Vision Australia ’ s work there is real choice and increased independence for all its stakeholders .” •
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