Inclusive STEM Learning for Blind and Visually Impaired Students through Enhanced Accessibility in Tyto Online

The proposed project focuses on enhancing the Tyto Online game-based learning platform to make it fully accessible to blind and visually impaired (BVI) students. This project, spanning across Phase I/II, aims to include BVI students in the rich, problem-based learning environment that Tyto Online offers, particularly in STEM education for middle school students. The project will transcend basic compliance with WCAG AA requirements, striving to create an equivalent experience for BVI students that mirrors the pedagogical outcomes achieved by their sighted peers. The expected enhancements include navigational aids within the 3D game world, comprehensive screen reader support, in-game modifications, full keyboard usage, text-to-speech capabilities, and the integration of accessible interactive versions of in-game mechanics During Phase I, navigation in the 3D game world and screen reader support will be co-created alongside BVI learners, and usability and feasibility established for the approach. This approach significantly advances educational game development for BVI learners, moving beyond prototypes to create a widely accessible, inclusive platform. Expected outcomes include enhanced STEM educational access for BVI students, fostering an inclusive learning environment that bolsters their academic and career prospects in STEM fields. The approach will be applied to Tyto Online’s vast current library of STEM content, and the accessibility features will also be used for partnerships with major curriculum publishers in progress, which can potentially reach millions of learners soon after Phase II ends. This could lead to wider adoption in educational settings, impacting educational technology and practices on a larger scale.