Overview
ISO/IEC 24751-1:2008 - Information technology - Individualized adaptability and accessibility in e‑learning, education and training - Part 1: Framework and reference model.
This part defines a common framework and abstract reference model to describe learner needs and preferences and to describe digital learning resources so they can be matched. The standard reframes disability as a mismatch between learner needs/preferences and the delivered learning experience and focuses on enabling adaptable, accessible delivery rather than judging content quality.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Framework & abstract model: a conceptual model for matching learner profiles with resource characteristics and user-interface tools.
- Learner needs and preferences: standardized descriptions of how content should be displayed, controlled and supplemented to suit individual learners.
- Digital resource description: metadata for resource characteristics that affect perception, comprehension and interaction (sensory modalities, adaptability, input methods, available alternatives).
- Adaptability & alternatives: requirements for representing when resources can be transformed (e.g., text-to-speech, alternate media) or substituted with equivalent content.
- Interoperability and consistent implementation: emphasis on interoperable metadata and profiles so learning management systems (LMS), content repositories and assistive technologies can work together.
- Multilinguality and conformance: guidance on language support and criteria for conformance to ensure predictable behaviour across implementations.
- Extensibility: mechanisms to extend the model for non-digital resources, events/places, and human interface equivalencies in future parts.
Practical applications
- Enable LMS and content platforms to automatically match courses, modules or media to an individual’s accessibility profile.
- Help content authors and publishers add metadata so resources are discoverable and adaptable for learners with diverse needs.
- Guide developers of assistive technologies, player apps and authoring tools to support interoperable personalization and substitution.
- Inform procurement and accessibility policy by specifying how systems should support individualized access and conformance testing.
Who should use this standard
- Educational technology vendors, LMS integrators and platform architects
- Instructional designers and digital publishers creating accessible learning materials
- Accessibility specialists, policy makers and procurement officers in education and training
- Developers of assistive technology and content-adaptation tools
Related standards and origins
- Part of the ISO/IEC 24751 series (see Parts 2 and 3 for personal needs/preferences and digital resource descriptions).
- Derived from IMS specifications (IMS GLC Learner Information Package Accessibility for LIP and IMS AccessForAll metadata).
- Works alongside other accessibility and e‑learning metadata standards to improve interoperability and “access for all.”
Keywords: ISO/IEC 24751-1, individualized adaptability, e‑learning accessibility, learner preferences, accessibility metadata, interoperability, access for all.
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