Tech Tips & More Blog

The Rich Content Editor includes an accessibility tool that detects common accessibility errors within the editor. 

You can use the Accessibility Checker to design course content while considering accessibility attributes. This tool only verifies content created within the Rich Content Editor. 

You may use other accessibility tools to verify additional content in Canvas. All accessibility components retain the parameters set by your institution's Theme Editor template. 

To learn more, navigate to the Insturcture Community's page: How do I use the Accessibility Checker in the Rich Content Editor.

The Accessibility Checker verifies the following accessibility rules:

• Adjacent links: Adjacent links with the same URL should be a single link. This rule verifies link errors where the link text may include spaces and break the link into multiple links.

• Heading paragraphs: Headings should not contain more than 120 characters.

• Image alt text: Images should include an alt attribute describing the image content.

• Image alt filename: Image filenames should not be used as the alt attribute describing the image content. Currently, files uploaded directly to Canvas create a redirect that does not properly verify image filenames.

• Image alt length: Alt attribute text is recommended to contain fewer than 120 characters.

• Large text contrast: Text larger than 18pt (or bold 14pt) should display a minimum contrast ratio of 3:1.

• Lists: Lists should be formatted as lists.

• Sequential headings: Heading levels should not be skipped (e.g. H2 to H4). However, the tool does not check if the first header starts with H2 or whether the headings are sequential with the rest of the content in the page. Tables do not begin with H1, which is designated for the page title.

• Small text contrast: Text smaller than 18pt (or bold 14pt) should display a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1.

• Table captions: Tables should include a caption describing the contents of the table.

• Table header scope: Table headers should specify scope and the appropriate structure.

• Table header: Tables should include at least one header.

Classroom App Overvivew

• Classroom is a powerful app for iPad and Mac that helps you guide learning, share work, and manage student devices. It supports both shared and one-to-one environments. 

• You can launch a specific app, website, or textbook page on any iPad in the class, share documents between teacher and students, or share student work on a TV, monitor, or projector using Apple TV. 

• You can even see which apps students are working in, mute student devices, and more. When class ends, you can see a summary of your students’ activities.

Explore the Functionality and Features of Classroom

• Apple Classroom Overview

Classroom Requirements

• • Students & staff must be signed into their Waukee CSD Apple Account

  • Bluetooth Enabled

  • Same WiFi network (WCSD)

These slides were a part of the Waukee Welcome kickoff this year for new staff members. 

This is a great overview of the technology devices and tools that we utilize as a district and for secondary staff. 

Waukee CSD Effective Canvas Course Design slides were a part of a professional learning experience for 6-12 staff.

Accessibility First Learning Design:

• Accessibility in digital content refers to the design and implementation of digital materials and technologies in a way that ensures they can be easily and effectively used by individuals with diverse abilities and disabilities.

  • The goal is to provide equal access and opportunities for all users, regardless of their physical, sensory, cognitive, or technological capabilities.

• Accessibility-first design is an approach that incorporates accessibility into course building from the start.

  • This approach will ensure you are not creating barriers to learning for your students.