Technological support for inclusive digital learning content in LMS: adapting Moodle and Google Classroom courses to the needs of students with special educational needs

Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to develop, implement, and experimentally test a comprehensive system for ensuring the inclusivity of digital educational content in the two most widely used learning management systems: Moodle and Google Classroom. The relevance of the study is due to the significant increase in the number of students with SEN in higher education institutions and the need to adapt traditional and digital educational resources to their specific needs. Despite the widespread use of LMS in the educational process, most existing platforms do not fully comply with the principles of universal learning design and international accessibility standards WCAG 2.1, which creates significant barriers for students with visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive impairments. The publication provides a comprehensive approach to the adaptation of digital content, which includes: analysis of the typology of special educational needs; development of innovative technological solutions for automating the adaptation of educational materials; creation of adaptive user interfaces; integration of assistive technologies; and development of methodological recommendations for teachers on creating inclusive digital content. The research methodology is based on an experimental method with the formation of experimental and control groups of students. The effectiveness of the developed technological solutions will be assessed based on a set of quantitative and qualitative indicators: academic performance, level of learning material assimilation, task completion time, degree of independence in working with LMS, level of satisfaction with the learning process, and content accessibility indicators in accordance with WCAG. The expected results of the project include the creation of functioning prototypes of adapted courses in Moodle and Google Classroom, the development of methodological support for teachers, and the preparation of recommendations for scaling the developed system at the institutional level. The practical significance of the project lies in creating a replicable model of technological support for inclusiveness that can be implemented in any higher education institution using Moodle or Google Classroom systems. The research will contribute to the formation of a genuinely inclusive educational environment where every student, regardless of health characteristics, will have equal opportunities for quality learning and professional development.