[NFBWATLK] Announcement: CAST & Partners Awarded $5 Million to Develop System for Customizing Digital Materials, CAST, November 15, 2017

[Nightingale, Noel]

http://www.cast.org/whats-new/news/2017/center-for-inclusive-software-for-learning.html#.WigZNU1lK70



CAST & Partners Awarded $5 Million to Develop System for Customizing Digital Materials

CAST

November 15, 2017



CAST today announced plans to lead the development of the Center on Inclusive Software for Learning (CISL) with a 5-year, $5 million award from the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. SRI International and the Inclusive Design Research Centre will partner with CAST on the project.



CISL will ensure that K-12 students with disabilities get engaging, high-quality accessible digital learning materials, especially open education resources (OERs). The software will enable teachers to customize instruction for the diverse needs of children with disabilities.



The partners will leverage their expertise and technology assets to:



·         Determine which barriers to access and learning need to address by the creation of new features and supports

·         Develop an open-source software suite that provides a personalized learning experience for students who use digital content

·         Create industry guidelines and a stakeholder’s group to encourage widespread use of the software



“CAST is excited to work with SRI and the Inclusive Design Research Centre on helping create next-generation digital resources that raise all boats. We want to give all K-12 students access to better, more customizable learning materials while also lifting the Ed Tech industry’s standards for accessibility and effectiveness.“ - Jose Blackorby, Senior Director of Research at CAST