TIMING
Project APPLE runs from January 2004 to Decemeber 2005 and consists of four phases:
Phase One: Audit of users, products &
amp; contexts
Phase Two: Development of VLE &
user sampling |
Phase Three: Full trial of VLE
Phase Four: Evaluation &
dissemination
Phase One: Audit of users, products & contexts (January - June 2004)
This phase explores the user group and the tools at their disposal.
- User community: researching the facilities, patterns of use and support environments in the various locations defined in the sample. Observation and video ethnography used to form comprehensive individual and collective profiles. The result will be preliminary mapping of the spectrum of need and taxonomy of accessible solutions proposed by multimedia will result.
- Product range: addressing the content and delivery systems currently used across the sample and the particular needs, abilities and support strategies with which they correspond.
- Available technologies: profiling the 'state of the art' of this rapidly evolving field, identifying assistive hardware and accessible tools that can enable people with learning disabilities to create their own content, evidence their progress and participate more fully in ICT systems.
Phase Two: Development of VLE & user sampling (April - December 2004)
This phase results in the design of the VLE & finalises the settings in which it is to be tested across the learning disability community.
- Product design will work from the profiles of users, needs and solutions.
- The VLE system will be designed to explore the capability of a 'profile-driven' delivery that presents individuals with content tailored to their need.
- The Trial group sample will be recruited and inducted to optimise the informed participation of all subjects.
Phase Three: Full trial of VLE (January - July 2005)
Implementation of the VLE will occur progressively with training for both users and supporters and the snagging of design and accessibility issues as they are identified.
- A full system trial will then proceed with the diverse sample groups linked together in a shared learning and communication environment.
Phase Four: Evaluation & dissemination (June - December 2005)
This will be organised within the project team and subsequently externalised through a publication and event programme.
- Academic outputs will target peer-reviewed publications across the range of disciplines that the work engages with alongside development of a conference and print publication that enshrines the Programme's uniquely cross disciplinary aspect.
- Standards and Guidelines will be tabled with the relevant authorities in Web accessibility and e learning.
- Marketing and commercial exploitation strategies for the VLE will be proposed.