Designing Online Courses for Screen Reader Users

Authors

  • Lorna R. Kearns University of Pittsburgh
  • Barbara A. Frey University of Pittsburgh
  • Gabriel McMorland University of Pittsburgh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v17i3.330

Keywords:

Online Learning, Online Teaching, Universal Design of Instruction, Accessibility

Abstract

A review of multiple online courses at one institution was conducted by a skilled screen reader user for the purpose of assessing the extent to which the courses were navigable and understandable to online students using assistive technologies. This paper identifies features of online courses that may present problems for screen reader users and recommends solutions to address those problems. The following two overarching recommendations are suggested and elaborated: 1) Just as a roadmap assists drivers in navigating unfamiliar terrain, principles of clarity, consistency, and organization should be applied to the design of online courses to orient students to the virtual learning environment. 2) Web pages and course documents should make effective use of metadata, i.e., machine-understandable information about computer-based content, in order for course material to be accurately understood by students using a screen reader.

Author Biographies

Lorna R. Kearns, University of Pittsburgh

Lorna R. Kearns is a Senior Instructional Designer at the Center for Instructional Development and Distance Education at the University of Pittsburgh. In her work, she consults with faculty on teaching and learning issues, conducts faculty development workshops, and works with faculty to develop online courses. She is also a Reviewer and Trainer with Quality Matters, a non-profit organization that promotes quality in online courses.

Barbara A. Frey, University of Pittsburgh

Barbara A. Frey, DEd, is a Senior Instructional Designer at the Center for Instructional Development and Distance Education at the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to her position at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Frey teaches as an Instructor with the Online Teaching and Learning Program at the Colorado State University Global Campus. She is also a Master Reviewer and Trainer with Quality Matters, a non-profit organization that promotes quality in online courses.

Gabriel McMorland, University of Pittsburgh

Gabriel McMorland is a Disability Services Quality Assurance Assistant with the Disability Resources and Services office at the University of Pittsburgh. In his work, he creates accessible environments by understanding user behavior.

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Published

2013-09-30

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 3 (2013)

Section

Integrating Accessibility into Online Higher Education

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