Abstract
In the LINTI, New Information Technologies Research Laboratory at the Computer Science School, in the National University of La Plata, it is being developed a project that involves the integration of the repository, implemented using DSpace, with different tools and platforms used in academic tasks. Accessibility is a process that cuts across all software development stages, so when using a free software product it is important to evaluate it in order to correct faults if it´s necessary. This article describes a DSpace repository accessibility validation, using screen readers for manual test, automatic validation with software tools and experimental test with users with and without disabilities. The evaluation involves the proper basic functions and the implemented extensions. The original DSpace software was extended through the integration with different tools and platforms, such as Moodle LMS, the library management system called Meran, file management services like DropBox and GoogleDrive and the social network Facebook. The tools used during accessibility evaluation were Examinator, Google ChromeVox and one entirely implemented in the LINTI, called SiMor. The experimental tests were made with blind and deaf persons, most of them college students. All the validation results are detailed using tables and graphs, where it can observe the measured values. It is also described the changes that was necessary to carry out in the repository to improve the user experience and ensure Web service accessibility.
Highlights
The main universities of several countries have incorporated into their educational offer e-learning programs for professional training that make use of ICTs, which allow flexibility in time and space, in order to integrate more people into the teaching-learning processes
The concept of Open Educational Resources (OER) emerged with a movement that initiated the development of Open Source Software
For a number of years, a project has been developed at LINTI, the Laboratory of Research in New Information Technologies, which aims to integrate different platforms and tools that are used within the academic field, as well as communicate with widespread social networks
Summary
The main universities of several countries have incorporated into their educational offer e-learning programs for professional training that make use of ICTs, which allow flexibility in time and space, in order to integrate more people into the teaching-learning processes These programs consume and generate content in digital format that can be used by other programs, systems or organizations that share common objectives. The possibility of storing the resources generated in the framework of e-learning as OERs in open access repositories increases the availability of the material even further, allowing greater flexibility in learning and extending people's capacities to collaborate and share knowledge For this reason, integrating the different information systems involved in the field of distance education is extremely important and challenging. The paper describes the tests carried out manually and the results of the experimental tests with disabled users, taking into account the different functionalities, the results obtained and the necessary modifications that will ensure the accessibility of the service offered
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