Accessibility in Learning Platforms
Accessibility in Learning Platforms
Make assignments, announcements, and materials usable for all students
Whether you're using Google Classroom, Canvas, Seesaw, or another digital learning tool, accessibility is essential. Students use a wide range of devices and support tools, and many rely on screen readers, captions, or other assistive technologies to engage with online content.
When you follow digital accessibility best practices, you're not only complying with legal requirements—you're creating a more equitable learning experience for every student.
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- Use headings, bulleted/numbered lists, and short paragraphs to help students navigate easily.
- Keep announcements and assignments clean and scannable—avoid walls of text.
- Break large assignments into steps, and label sections with headers.
An In-Depth Look at Document Headings
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- Alt-Text is a description of an image that can be read by a screen reader or displayed when the image fails to load.
- Add alt text when you upload images or diagrams. If the platform doesn’t support alt text, describe the image in the body of the text.
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- Don’t upload a flyer or graphic as your only communication.
- If you post an image with text (e.g., an event flyer or poster), repeat the key information in plain text.
An In-Depth Look at the Plain Text Alternative to Flyers and PDFs
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- If you post or assign a video, it must include captions—automated or edited for accuracy.
- For audio-only materials (like podcasts), include a transcript or summary.
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- Keep directions simple and consistent.
- Avoid abbreviations or internal jargon without explanation.
- Always tell students what you expect them to do next.
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- Make sure text stands out clearly against the background.
- Never use color alone to communicate meaning (e.g., “Click the red link to continue”).
An In-Depth Look at Using Color in an Accessible Way
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- Instead of writing “Click here”, say “Read the weekly overview” or “Submit your responses in the Google Form.”
Quick Checklist for Digital Learning Content
- Headings and structure are used to organize info
- Text is clear, direct, and student-friendly
- Images have alt text or are described
- Videos have captions or transcripts
- No flyers or image-only assignments
- Color contrast is strong, and color isn’t used alone
- Links are clear and descriptive
Accessible Platforms vs. Accessible Content
Just because a platform (like Google Docs, Canvas, or social media) is designed to be accessible doesn’t mean everything you create on it automatically is. Accessibility depends not only on the tools available, but also on how you use them.
For example, if you add an image in a Google Doc without alt text, or format a heading by changing the font size instead of using proper heading styles, that content will not be accessible—even though the platform supports accessibility.
To make your content truly accessible, you must actively use the platform’s accessibility features (like alt text fields, heading styles, and captioning tools) and follow basic best practices (like good contrast, clear language, and descriptive links). Accessibility is about thoughtful choices, not just the technology.
