Lesson 3 – Understanding Assistive Technology
Many students use assistive technologies to access their course materials. Understanding how students use these technologies can help us appreciate why it is important to build accessible course materials.
Play the video [7:46] to learn how an individual uses a screen reader to access information online. In this video, he will demonstrate how important it is to use proper formatting on HTML pages, like your pages in Brightspace. This is also important for Word documents. When we use proper headings (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc. ), it allows our students to navigate our web pages and documents. A transcript of Using a Screen Reader is also available.
Now we know how screen readers work. Screen reader technology speaks what is on our screens. As the user, you can decide what it sounds like, the reading speed, and what information the technology speaks aloud. This means the user has control.
Do you have a PC? Download and install NVDA. Play the video [9:00] to learn how to do this. When you are ready, try using NVDA on your Brightspace lesson pages, with your screen brightness turned off. What challenges – or barriers – exist?
Do you use a Mac computer? Play the video below [12:10] to learn how to activate your Mac built-in screen reader, VoiceOver. Try using Mac VoiceOver on your lesson pages in Brightspace. Try turning your screen brightness off, and navigating through your course. What barriers do you notice?
Reflections and Resources