Accessibility: WebCT

Accessibility of Online Learning Materials

Ensure that WebCT sites are made as accessible as possible

Path & single pages | Naming links | The Bulletin Board & Mail tools | The Quiz Tool | WebCT Version 3.1

	The version of WebCT currently in use at the University of Aberdeen, WebCT 1.3.1, is subject to some accessibility problems, such as Lack of alternative text for icons and certain features of the quiz tool. Frames used for structure and navigation can cause problems for students using screen readers. It is planned to upgrade to version 3.1 during summer 2001, and the new version features improved accessibility. In the meantime, the tips provided below will help WebCT users at the University to make applications more accessible. If you have any queries about the accessibility of your WebCT site, contact Joan Fisher at the Learning Technology Unit.
	PATH AND SINGLE PAGES Limit the use of frames in paths. Try omitting the side 'contents' frame from a path and just have a frame along the top for navigation and tools. Add the Compile tool to your site, either on the Home page or on a subsidiary page. This enables students or their tutors to compile a series of pages into one. It allows the pages to be viewed outwith the path structure, and also to be printed more easily. Avoid if possible the use of nested tables, particularly in path pages. Using nested tables within frames can cause severe problems for those using text readers. If you do not need to use any of the search, indexing and tracking features that paths provide, consider linking to your material as a set of single pages, using the 'Add link to single page' option. When linking to a single page, specify 'same browser window' rather than 'new browser window' for the way in which the page will be displayed. If it is displayed in a new browser window it is accompanied by an extra WebCT frame which includes JavaScript-driven navigation buttons. Both the extra frame and the JavaScript navigation can cause problems for screen readers. Specifying 'Same Browser Window' means that the user can navigate using the browser's own 'Back' button, and is much less confusing.
	NAMING LINKS WebCT version 1.3 does not allow for the insertion of alternative text with icons, and this can cause site navigation problems for students using screen readers. However problems can be avoided by using a combination of text and image when specifying a link. Avoid the built-in icons with text supplied, as this is simply a part of the image an will not be read by a screen reader. Also avoid using too many text-only links, as images help to orientate users, and can be useful for users with dyslexia.
	THE BULLETIN BOARD AND MAIL TOOLS The frames, which form part of the structure of the Bulletin Board and Mail tools, can cause access problems for students using screen readers. Providing viewing tips to your students can help to make your discussion forums more accessible. Encourage students to make use of the Compile button, which enables them to select a series of messages and save them for viewing as a plain text file. Inform students of the Forward Mail option in the Mail tool, where they can use to forward messages to their own email account. If there is a student with poor vision using a discussion group, you can ask the other students to start their messages to the bboard with <font size=40> This increases the font size in which the messages are displayed.
	QUIZ TOOL Currently the quiz tool is not very flexible in allowing for individual student exceptions, where, for example, longer time is needed due to disability. However WebCT does not auto-submit a test at the end of the time limit, so students who need extra time can just keep going. When the tutor grades the quiz, WebCT displays information on length of time a student has taken to complete the test, and allows any adjustments to be made to marks. Alternatively, the designer can set an alternative quiz with a longer time limit, which is only available by password to a designated group of students.
	VERSION 3.1 IMPROVEMENTS It is planned to upgrade to WebCT version 3.1 in summer 2001. Version 3.1 has the following advantages for accessibility: A section of online help which helps developers ensure that their courses are as accessible as possible to students using accessibility tools. A no-frames option for the Bulletin Board and Mail tools, which will allow screen readers to easily read buttons and messages It allows the addition of alternative text with icons Allows the designer to specify that a quiz may be attempted an unlimited number of times. Allows selective release on a quiz-by-quiz basis for the main quiz page. (Quizzes can thus be made available to a subset of students meeting specific criteria.) features a site map, which aids navigation