3 top Microsoft technologies for shrinking the online classroom digital divide

From the classroom / lecture room to on-the-job training, the instructors are progressively taking advantage of augmented and virtual reality which will provide the leaner’s top most quality learning experience with high quality technology. Especially since many learners are now learning from home due to the current health crisis and due to the global pandemic, these technologies are trying to make the home learning similar to the classroom lectures and would become a bridge between home and classroom.

Augmented reality and virtual reality are now extensively being used for simulating learning experiences, virtual campus tours, and much more beyond the classroom are now being accomplished. These technologies are also being used in the workforce to enhance workers skills. AR and VR are has already been trending in recent decade. However, developers commonly failing to prioritize accessibility while designing and the students with disabilities and workers are not being able to access to education and training but this will be a revolutionary break through to put an end to digital divide.

1. Accessible AR and VR technology for users with physical disabilities

AR and VR accessibility assistant technology has been missing in many aspects of the hardware design. Like the use of heavy headsets, hand tracking, and large handheld controllers with buttons can pose difficulty to the users with differing physical disabilities underscoring the need of inclusivity. So it is really necessary for the developers to ensure that AR and VR designs and hardware don’t rely fully on motion control or voice navigation but are compatible with accessible gamepads.

2. Accessible AR and VR technology for users with visual disabilities

By utilizing a few simple principles familiar to website accessibility, AR and VR developers can undoubtedly make their products inclusive to blind and visually impaired users. Immersive sound effects, audio descriptions, and text magnification functions can solve many of the barriers in traditional designs.

3. Accessible AR and VR technology for users with hearing disabilities

Users who are deaf and have other hearing disabilities can more easily access to AR and VR if transcripts and closed captioning are made available with the adjustable volume and caption controls and other assistive technology the user with hearing disabilities also can access freely without barriers.

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