Creating an accessible course in MyCourses involves addressing various aspects of content creation and course design to ensure that all students can engage in learning effectively. 

Ensuring accessibility of text, images, graphics and videos

  • Headings: Use formatted heading styles (HTML such as H1, H2, H3 etc.) to format text so that users can quickly navigate a page or document using assistive software. These elements have built-in semantic meaning that assistive technologies can interpret correctly. Don't skip heading levels (such as from an H1 to H3). Avoid creating headings by formatting text manually e.g. by changing font size or making the text bold. 

  • Accessible Links: Use descriptive text for hyperlinks instead of vague phrases like "click here." Ensure that link text clearly indicates the destination or purpose of the link.

  • Alternative Text for Images: Add meaningful alternative text (alt text) to images. Alt text should convey the purpose and content of the image for those who cannot see it, such as students using screen readers. Once you are uploading a picture to MyCourses, give it a short description or mark it as decorative. To add an alternative text in MyCourses:
    • Click on the Insert image icon
    • Select an image file in the file browser window
    • Add alternative text to field titled “Describe this image for someone who cannot see it ”, or mark the image as decorative only. Save changes.
  • Video and Audio Content: Most people benefit from captioned videos and providing captions in MyCourses videos makes them accessible for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The process of adding captions has become straightforward in Panopto: Add captions to your videos manually or automatically by using the machine-generated captions, or provide the same content as a text alternative. 

  • Color Contrast: Choose color combinations (e.g. in text and graphs) that offer sufficient contrast to aid readability, especially for those with visual impairments. The default editor in MyCourses has a limited selection of color options, and of those we recommend using only black color. However, by changing your default editor to TinyMCE, you get more variety in color options. To change editor preferences in MyCourse:
    • Select profile icon and personal preferences
    • Select Editor preferences and choose TinyMCE HTML editor (legacy)

You can use WebAIM: Contrast Checker to see if your color combinations are readable

Clarity of course structure and content

  • Clear course structure: Organize your course content logically and consistently. Give meaningful and descriptive headings to course sections, modules and activities to help students understand the course structure and find information easily.

  • Clarity of text: Provide well-structured and readable text. Avoid long, uniform masses of text and lengthy passages of text that are underlined, in italics, bolded or in capital letters.

  • Labels and Text Boxes: Labels and text boxes provide additional context or instructions. This is particularly useful for students who rely on screen readers or need extra guidance.

Accessible documents 

Find more information about accessible documents, such as Word, PowerPoint and PDF, at Aalto.fi Digital accessibility pages

Indentifying accessibility errors with Accessibility review block

The Accessibility review block in MyCourses allows teachers to assess the accessibility of their course content and to identify existing common accessibility issues.