Mandatory Web Accessibility Training for Online Faculty Barry Dahl, Desire2Learn
Mandatory Web Accessibility Training for Online Faculty
Barry Dahl, Desire2Learn
Why: The Case for Web Accessibility
• It is essential that the Web be accessible in order to provide equal access and equal opportunity to people with diverse abilities. Indeed, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognizes access to information and communications technologies, including the Web, as a basic human right.www.w3.org/standards/webdesign/accessibility
Who: The Case for Web Accessibility
Accessibility supports social inclusion for people with disabilities as well as others, such as older people, people in rural areas, and people in developing countries.www.w3.org/standards/webdesign/accessibility
What: Examples of Web Accessibility
• Some basic examples:– Alternative text for images– Full navigation via keyboard– Transcripts for podcasts– Captions for videos– Color choices that help not hinder
www.w3.org/standards/webdesign/accessibility
Example of alt-text in Desire2Learm
From UW-Milwaukeehttp://uwmltc.org/?p=878
How: Making Online Ed Accessible
• None of this will happen in a vacuum.• Professional development
opportunities are key to improving accessibility in online education.
• Knowledge training in this field needs to be MANDATORY!
www.w3.org/standards/webdesign/accessibility
Comparing Gravity to Web Accessibility
Same with Accessibility
Use existing training resources.
Some examples
projectone.cannect.org/
webaim.org/resources/
www.w3.org/WAI/users/
www.catea.gatech.edu/grade/
www.doit.wisc.edu/outside-cms/accessibility/online-course/index.htm
www.washington.edu/doit/Resources/accessdl.html
Assessment of Training
• Create Desire2Learn course shell• Enroll all online faculty and related staff• Create one or more assessments• Provide badges or certificates of
completion• Monitor non-completors and send
reminders