RE: Instruction and Assessment

Can't we just reference content that in some way conforms or can conform to 
WCAG.  I really don't think we need to start stating all of the different 
potential sources and uses of content.  This seems to be a discussion that 
should be in WCAG, not UAAG.

Jon


At 10:26 AM 1/26/2001 -0500, Hansen, Eric wrote:
>You have anticipated my response.
>
>The principle is that Web-based tests and instruction are not necessarily
>considered "general-purpose content." Rather, they may, at least in some
>circumstances, be considered "special-purpose content."
>
>In order to align the remainder of the document with this approach, I think
>that this approach may also necessitate a change to the definition of "Text
>content...", which, of course is under revision anyway. Essentially, I would
>suggest that, pending further revision, the following phrase be deleted:
>"that content represents a general mix of purposes (information, education,
>entertainment, commerce)".
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Ian Jacobs [mailto:ij@w3.org]
> > Sent: Thursday, January 25, 2001 6:54 PM
> > To: Hansen, Eric
> > Cc: UA List (E-mail); Ian Jacobs (E-mail)
> > Subject: Re: Instruction and Assessment
> >
> >
> > "Hansen, Eric" wrote:
> > >
> > > Known Limitation of the UA Guidelines regarding Instruction
> > and Assessment
> > >
> > > In section 1.3, I suggest adding a known limitation
> > regarding effectiveness
> > > of instruction or assessments.
> >
> > Hi Eric,
> >
> > Here's an argument against adding this: Section 1.2 of the 16 Jan
> > draft [1] includes this statement:
> >
> >    This document was designed specifically to improve
> >    the accessibility of mainstream user agents with multimedia
> >    capabilities for users with one or more disabilities
> >    (including visual, hearing, physical, and cognitive).
> >    In this context, a mainstream user agent is one designed
> >    for the general public to handle general-purpose content
> >    in ordinary operating conditions.
> >
> > Instructions and assessments would not be
> > general-purpose content; this is a particular environment
> > with particular restrictions.
> >
> > So is your concern adequately addressed by the existing statement?
> >
> >  - Ian
> >
> > [1] http://www.w3.org/WAI/UA/WD-UAAG10-20010116/#target
> >
> >
> > > This is important because provision of
> > > alternative representations is central to our accessibility
> > strategy, yet
> > > depending on what is being taught or assessed, provision of such
> > > alternatives may 'short circuit' or damage the validity of
> > an assessment or
> > > the teaching effectiveness of an instructional module. How
> > this potential
> > > for damage is addressed is highly specific to the purpose
> > of the instruction
> > > and assessment as well as to the intended audience.
> > >
> > > New:
> > >
> > > "Effectiveness of instruction or assessments. The document
> > does not address
> > > issues of effectiveness of instruction or assessments, such
> > as how provision
> > > of alternative content may affect inferences about what a
> > person knows or
> > > can do in an instructional or assessment setting. For
> > example, the nature of
> > > inferences that one could draw about a user's ability to
> > understand an
> > > auditory presentation may be influenced by an
> > accessibility-motivated
> > > provision of a text equivalent of the presentation."
> > >
> > > Other edits are being sent directly to Ian Jacobs.
> >
> > --
> > Ian Jacobs (jacobs@w3.org)   http://www.w3.org/People/Jacobs
> > Tel:                         +1 831 457-2842
> > Cell:                        +1 917 450-8783
> >

Jon Gunderson, Ph.D., ATP
Coordinator of Assistive Communication and Information Technology
Division of Rehabilitation - Education Services
MC-574
College of Applied Life Studies
University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign
1207 S. Oak Street, Champaign, IL  61820

Voice: (217) 244-5870
Fax: (217) 333-0248

E-mail: jongund@uiuc.edu

WWW: http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~jongund
WWW: http://www.w3.org/wai/ua

Received on Monday, 29 January 2001 12:22:06 UTC