The Challenge of Accessible Rich Media Presenters: Chris Newman Chris Frost

The role of ERU Print Learning guides Readers Reports Multimedia Websites CD-ROM Blackboard

Rich Media multimedia + interaction system that supports the interactive use of text, audio, still images, video, [animation] and graphics TAMU University, Glossary of Distance Education Terms

Application to accessibility Universal Design – good design is inclusive multiple modes are inherent in multimedia

Learning with multimedia Unique advantages for learning Learning preferences Dual Code Constructivism Social Agency Gaming and Motivation

Learning with multimedia Unique advantages for learning Learning preferences Dual Code Constructivism Social Agency Gaming and Motivation

Learning with multimedia Unique advantages for learning Learning preferences Dual Code Constructivism Social Agency Gaming and Motivation

Learning with multimedia Unique advantages for learning Learning preferences Dual Code Constructivism Social Agency Gaming and Motivation Exploratory learning Active Learning Simulations Authentic Tasks Experiential Learning

Learning with multimedia Unique advantages for learning Learning preferences Dual Code Constructivism Social Agency Gaming and Motivation Communication tools Group tools

Learning with multimedia Unique advantages for learning Learning preferences Dual Code Constructivism Social Agency Gaming and Motivation

Learning with multimedia Unique advantages for learning Learning preferences Dual Code Constructivism Social Agency Gaming and Motivation

TEDI’s accessibility plan

Colour deficiency The three types of cone cell in the human eye

The effects of colour deficiency Colour simulations created with the Visicheck Photoshop plugin, available at

Dealing with colour deficiency

Use shape then colour

Demonstration Project Tracking System

Accessibility of media: HTML IssueSupport BlindnessEnough thought must be given to semantics and reading order. The user must have their own text-to-speech software. Low VisionOkay if the designer has allowed for a scalable, liquid layout AuditoryApplies to embedded content and will be discussed later MotorEnough thought must be given to tab order. Access keys can be added for common navigational controls. CognitiveQuite good as HTML supports a wide range of media

Accessibility of media: Flash IssueSupport BlindnessText-to-speech access does not exist in the standalone player. In-browser support is limited to Internet Explorer on PC. Low VisionHTML style liquid layouts are difficult to achieve. Some other options follow:  as this is a vector format, the image, animation or interaction can be presented in a larger format with no extra download time;  the developer can script for zoom functionality if space is at a premium;  otherwise the user can resize the containing frame or window. AuditoryCaptions can quite easily be added, either directly on the timeline or stored in an external XML document. Motor  Tab order can be defined.  Arrow keys can be used to select buttons. For example: the left arrow key selects will select the next input element to the left.  Custom events can even be triggered when the user presses a certain key.  There’s no limit to this keyboard access within the standalone player.  The bad news is that the user must click the flash movie with a pointer device to gain keyboard access in any browser other than Internet Explorer. CognitiveAllows for text content to be supplemented with images, video, animations or interactions.

Accessibility of media: Director IssueSupport BlindnessDirector uses the Operating System’s own speech API directly, so there is no need for dedicated text-to-speech software. Low VisionHTML style liquid layouts are difficult to achieve. The user can resize the containing window to if the developer has set the content to be scalable. AuditoryCaptions can easily be added. A button or keystroke can be specified to allow the user to show or hide captions. Motor  Tab order can be defined.  Custom events can even be triggered when the user presses a certain key. CognitiveAllows for text content to be supplemented with images, video, animations or interactions.

Questions?