CDLI NEWSLETTERMARCH 2019
Accessibility vs Creativity: It Isn't Either/OrFriday, March 8
12:30-1:30 p.m.
PAVL 050It's true. Accessibility can feel like a dull, cold, technical set of skills that is a far cry from creating dynamic and engaging instructional activities. However, this presentation will help you frame accessibility as an exciting design opportunity rather than a technical/legal requirement. We'll explore how inclusive design actually requires creativity and can make assignments and assessment much more engaging for your students (and for you!). Light lunch will be provided. RSVP is recommended.
Jess Thompson, SBCTC Jess Thompson is a Program Administrator for the Washington State Board for Community & Technical Colleges where she helps colleges develop policies and practices that support accessibility. Read
more of Jess' bio.
Color Contrast for Web AccessibilityColor can help communicate mood, tone, and critical information, but not everyone will see it the same way. Users who may have partial sight, color deficiencies, or are older in age may not see color well. Assistive technology may also have limited access to material that relies only on color. This is why color contrast is an important step in creating accessible materials. Below are some tips to consider when creating your online content. - Ensure a strong color contrast between foreground and background when designing pages. Successful color contrast has a color ratio of 4.5:1 or higher. There are online tools, such as this Contrast Checker, that can be of help.
Low color contrast (2.7:1) High color contrast (4.7:1)
- Always use color plus another visual indicator (for example, color plus boldface type, or color plus size) to communicate important information.
- Avoid using color as a descriptor (for example, "required fields are red").
Gadget of the MonthWAVE, Web Accessibility Evaluation ToolThe Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool (WAVE) is a great way to explore web accessibility issues for most websites online. Enter the
URL for the site of your choice and receive a report that highlights important issues on the web.
Canvas Tips & TricksAccessibility CheckerThe Rich Content Editor includes an accessibility tool that checks common accessibility errors within the editor. This tool can help you design course content while considering accessibility attributes and is located in the Rich Content Editor menu bar. Check out the guide "How do I use the Accessibility Checker?"
WORKSHOPS3/1: Page and Graphic Design
3/4: Make a Banner for Your Course Using Canva
3/7: Create Community with Padlet
3/8: Accessibility vs Creativity
3/12: Create Engaging Presentations with Sway
3/14: OneNote Class Notebook
3/20: Create with Adobe Spark!
3/21: Explain Everything
ABOUT CDLIThe Center for Digital Learning & Innovation supports faculty in the thoughtful use of emerging learning technologies to ensure that all digitally mediated courses reflect the high-touch, deeply experiential learning consistent with the Jesuit approach to education.
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