- From: Laurie Harrison <laurie.harrison@utoronto.ca>
- Date: Thu, 09 Dec 1999 10:38:48 -0800
- To: w3c-wai-ig@w3.org
Hi All: A little info on the WebCT Version 2 accessibility front - The ATRC at UofToronto has been using WebCT for some time, and have had ongoing dialogue with WebCT. We have expressed our concerns and encouraged improvements to the interface, as it is a very popular product in Canada, and increasingly in the US. Version 2 reflects some improvement, but there is much work still to be done. To this end, WebCT is targeting Version 3, which is to be released in June 2000 for additional changes to resolve access issues. In the meantime, educators should use WebCT Version 2 with caution regarding access. Earlier incarnations of WebCT provided no opportunity to include ALT text in pages generated by the courseware, and the bulletin board/mail systems were a complex three frame structure that was fairly awkward for anyone to use, even more difficult for a screen reader. Many of the other student tools have also had a framed presentation and the chat is java-based. The new Version 2 allows the designer of the course to add ALT text to images generated by the courseware. The new site map feature will help users with navigation. Also the new mail/communication tools provide pop-up windows as an alternative to frames. We have advised WebCT about problems with change of focus, as doing so without advising the user generates a whole new set of problems. Strategies to improve the access to student tools / navigation are in the works - hopefully we'll see more in Version 3 in June. With regard to the Help files, WebCT consulted with the ATRC (note our name appears at the bottom of the Help file section on accessible design.) A brief explanation of adaptive technology is followed by a list of simple techniques, based on WAI guidelines as they may be applied in this context. We have been advised that the help files cannot be updated until the next version is released, however, if anyone has feedback on them for the next iteration, we would appreciate it. They are online at: http://www.webct.com/v2/help/access/accessibility.html We recognize that there is still a long way to go before WebCT is completely accessible, as is the case with all of the major courseware packages of this type currently on the market. However, we are pleased that WebCT acknowledges the accessibility issues, and is actively pursuing development of a more accessible interface. Laurie Harrison -- Laurie Harrison Resource Coordinator Centre for Academic and Adaptive Technology, Information Commons University of Toronto laurie.harrison@utoronto.ca (416) 946-3778
Received on Thursday, 9 December 1999 10:39:22 UTC