An AI-assisted workflow for multilingual accessible video production: the EDUNEXT case study

The adoption of online modalities in higher education has not automatically ensured effective learning or inclusivity, particularly in multilingual and multicultural contexts. This paper aims to present a practical framework for enhancing accessibility in digital education through audiovisual translation, with a focus on subtitling and dubbing. Using the EDUNEXT Digital Education Hub - an Italian initiative involving 35 universities and 5 conservatories/academies - as a case study, we describe an AI-assisted workflow for creating multilingual educational video content. The proposed workflow requires minimal infrastructure and supports the creation of accessible, inclusive, and multilingual video content. Nonetheless, it involves software licensing costs and significant human post-editing, despite its cost-effectiveness and AI-assisted. The systematic integration of AI-based accessibility tools into digital learning environments has the potential to significantly reduce linguistic and cognitive barriers, supporting the development of inclusive teaching models. By making multilingual educational materials accessible, this approach advances the broader goal of ensuring equitable access to higher education for diverse learner populations.