Automated Analysis of Web Accessibility Across 20 MOOCs Platforms

In the dynamic world of digital education, particularly due to recent global events, there has been an increasing reliance on e-learning tools and platforms, including Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). However, not all these platforms cater to the diverse needs of learners, especially learners with disabilities. Accessibility in MOOC platforms can significantly ensure inclusivity and improve the learning experience. This study focuses on the critical aspect of accessibility in the most popular MOOC platforms. Despite the ongoing advancements in this field, MOOC platforms still present considerable accessibility challenges for users with disabilities. To bridge this gap, our research focuses on evaluating the accessibility features of 20 selected MOOC platforms. Based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, we shed light on the areas of improvement harnessing emerging technologies towards ensuring inclusive and accessible online educational environments.