A Deaf‐centred E‐Learning Environment (DELE): challenges and considerations

Abstract

Purpose

In this paper, the accessibility of e‐learning environments designed for deaf learners is discussed. Starting from a discussion of the meaning of text and web accessibility, the paper describes the development of a Deaf‐centered E‐Learning Environment (DELE) which focusing on utilizing the visual skills of the target users. This work is conducted under the auspices of the Italian FIRB‐VISEL project (E‐Learning, Deafness, Written Language: A Bridge of Letters and Signs Towards Knowledge Society) which involves the development of a distance learning environment aimed at improving the literacy skills of prelingual deaf children and young adults.

Design/methodology/approach

The e‐learning environment is based on embodied cognition/semantics, imitation, storytelling, and the construction of educational games. Conceptual metaphors provide the browsing structure of the entire environment, in which the learning paths are developed.

Findings

DELE is currently undergoing testing in which end‐users are providing feedback about their use of the system.

Social implications

The authors think that DELE could positively affect the didactic methodology used with deaf young people, through a new visual‐based approach to teaching.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time in which such a theoretical approach has been applied to an e‐learning environment for deaf users.

Citation

Capuano, D., Tagarelli De Monte, M., Groves, K.M., Roccaforte, M. and Tomasuolo, E. (2011), "A Deaf‐centred E‐Learning Environment (DELE): challenges and considerations", Journal of Assistive Technologies, Vol. 5 No. 4, pp. 257-263. https://doi.org/10.1108/17549451111190669