Built-In Accessibility Features in Canvas
Just as with the physical move, our new virtual move has both inherent improvements to accessibility as well as opportunities to implement accessible design.
Settings
Course Navigation
Canvas provides you the ability to change what modules are viewable in the course navigation. The IC Canvas Blueprint suggests the use of a standard set of modules, to provide a consistent student experience but there is room for flexibility. The ability to design courses around modules and pages makes it unnecessary to use many of the options, such as quizzes and assignments, as those can be built into the overall flow of the course. Fewer options makes course navigation easier and less confusing for users.
Link Checker
It is important that all of the links to websites, documents, and images function as expected. The link validator tool in Canvas makes it easy to check. The right-hand menu in course Settings offers the option to "Validate Links in Content." Click that link to run the link validator tool.
Pages
Rich Content Editor
The Rich Content Editor is the primary content creation tool in Canvas. Here you will find tools to add and format text; add links to websites and documents; and embed videos, images, and other interactive features.
Accessibility Checker
The Accessibility Checker is located in the lower right corner of the Rich Content Editor. Just like a spell check, the accessibility check looks for a standard set of errors in your pages and provides guidelines for how to fix those errors. Instead of providing spelling suggestions, the Accessibility Checker will let you know about:
- Missing alt text for images
- Improper heading structure
- Improper link formatting
- Color contrast issues
- Table formatting problems
Also similar to a spell check, the Accessibility Checker is needed less and less as your skills improve AND the Accessibility Checker is only as good as its programming.
Mobile App
Canvas provides mobile apps for both teachers and students. This provides new opportunities for connection and improves access for anyone who struggles with internet connectivity or device access.