E-Learning enhancer:

A progressive Web Application for improving Moodle accessibility

Abstract

The COVID-19 accelerated e-learning in teaching as universities had to practice online learning to ensure continuity of teaching and learning activities while in lockdown. Most of these online learning systems require internet connectivity for their accessibility and thus pose accessibility challenges in areas with poor or no internet connectivity. Therefore, there is a need to review the system and propose technical solutions to improve its accessibility. This paper highlights accessibility challenges posed by the MU e-learning system and presents a progressive web-based application (e-learning enhancer) to address the gap. The application can cache viewed contents for accessibility in offline mode and utilise Short Message Service (SMS) to notify learners about updated content. We tested the system prototype with a small group from MU Main Campus to assess its applicability. The e-learning enhancer was found useful, and it can be used by any university that uses the Moodle platform for e-Learning services to improve system accessibility. Mzumbe University (MU) uses a customised Moodle platform to offer e-learning services to its students.