BarrierBreak needs Beta Testers to test "BCAT"

BarrierBreak needs Beta Testers to test "BCAT" - A tool to create Accessible Flash based Elearning course

Despite the benefits offered by Elearning, it is not possible for students with special needs to access Elearning courses. The common myth that prevails is that 'Flash cannot be made accessible' Its time that we over come this myth and change the mind set to 'Flash can be made Accessible'

Net Systems Informatics & BarrierBreak Technologies have taken the initiative to break this myth and have launched the Beta version of "BarrierBreak Course Authoring Tool (BCAT)". BCAT is designed and developed to assist teachers/authors in creating accessible Flash based Elearning courses.

BCAT comprises of two main components, Course Authoring Tool based on Moodle Learning Management System and Flash Architecture to access the course contents. In addition, the teacher/author can add various accessibility options to the course such as: Alternate Text, Captions, and Transcripts.

Once the course is published, the contents are generated in to XML and users can access the course using a Flash player. The Flash course thus created provides users with an "Accessibility Panel" to meet their needs:
# Show/Hide Captions
# Audio Transcript
# Change Themes
# Small/Large Icons
# Show/Hide Labels
# Text Size

We invite users with disabilities, teachers/authors, accessibility community at large to access BCAT and provide their valuable feedback and suggestions to make BCAT a tool for inclusive education.

To access Beta version of BCAT, visit: http://www.n-syst.com/lms/login/signup.php

Once you sign up, you will receive an email including further instructions. Along with the email, you will receive a ReadMe file, documentation for creating a course, documentation for using the course and bug report file.

The Beta Test Run is open until 20th January 2009. All suggestions are highly appreciated and will help us to make BCAT more user-friendly and accessible for all.

Shilpi Kapoor / Managing Director at BarrierBreak Technologies & Net Systems Informatics