Transforming Complex Educational Content at Scale: Enhancing Accessibility in eLearning Content
Benetech, a global social organization dedicated to supporting students with learning differences and disabilities, partnered with Newgen to produce accessible STEM content and textbooks in English and Tamil. The initiative focused on converting Tamil Nadu government textbooks for classes 7 and 8 across all subjects.
Maths and Science textbooks posed additional complexities due to mathematical symbols, intricate designs, and MathML coding, while other subjects, including Tamil, were processed according to Benetech India’s Word template specifications to ensure seamless accessibility.
Project Overview
The project involved converting PDF files into accessible ePub 3.0 format using a Word-based workflow, aligning with the requirements of Benetech’s SharePoint bookstore. This conversion ensures that school textbooks are accessible, particularly for visually impaired students, allowing them to engage with the content effectively.
Benetech’s Requirements
Benetech sought fully accessible eBooks to provide equal learning opportunities for visually impaired students. The SharePoint bookstore serves as a digital repository, ensuring that students can easily access and utilize learning materials in a format designed for their needs.
Challenges and Solutions
While Newgen possessed the technical expertise to convert source files into the required format, meeting specific accessibility standards presented challenges. The process required:
- Customization of outputs to ensure alignment with accessibility guidelines.
- Additional refinements beyond standard conversion to create an optimal reading experience.
To address these challenges, Newgen implemented a structured approach:
- Template Development: Standardized templates were created for each book.
- Sample Testing: Sample pages were shared with Benetech for feedback and approval.
- Efficient Execution: Once approved, full textbooks were processed, streamlining the workflow and ensuring consistency.
Outcome and Impact
The project successfully delivered high-quality, accessible eBooks, enabling students with visual impairments to benefit from essential learning materials. By leveraging Newgen’s expertise and Benetech’s commitment to accessibility, the collaboration achieved a satisfied client, an optimized workflow, and enhanced educational inclusion for students in Tamil Nadu.
Contact us today to learn how we can help make your content accessible. Email Jo Bottrill, MD, Newgen – jo@newgen.co or sales@newgen.co
