Web services to allow access for all in dotLRN

This paper describes a proposal for implementing the "Access for All" initiative by ISO in dotLRN being developed in the context ADAPTAPLAN project: ”Adaptation based on learning, modeling and planning for complex tasks oriented to the user”. As a result, dotLRN will be able to match access individual learner preferences and needs with the appropriate user interface tools and digital learning resources. This will involve the following developments. First, some graphical user interfaces to allow the user to define 1) her accessibility preference in terms of ISO Personal Needs and Preferences standard, and 2) the accessibility features of the contents provided (both those provided by the course designer at design time and a course member who wants to share her contributions at runtime) in terms of ISO Digital Resource Description standard. Second, a set of web services to allow dotLRN retrieve this information (users’ PNP attributes and contents’ DRD metadata) in order to select the most appropriate contents for the user.