Produced through EnACT: Ensuring Access Through Collaboration and Technology
Grant administered by Sonoma State University with the participation of California State University, Chico
Author: Peter DiFalco
Instructional Technology Consultant
Technology and Learning Program
California State University, Chico
While the Blackboard Learning System CE/Vista 8 (formerly known as WebCT CE 6/Vista 4) learning management system products are provided to various California State University campuses (and hundreds of other Universities) as "ADA-compliant" products, this compliance is a baseline indicating that the main interface complies with certain technical guidelines which promote interaction with assistive technology. Numerous features are included with the system that allow faculty to implement some practices of Universal Design and web accessibility.
These features and methods of using the system to create accessible online instruction resources are not well documented in the product manuals, and there are no cohesive guides which demonstrate best practices for using these tools. By contrast, the same company's companion but competing product, Blackboard Academic Suite, is accompanied by online guides for both faculty and students which contain accessibility tips and even screen reader use instructions.
This AIM attempts to provide instructors designing course material for use with Blackboard CE or Vista learning management systems with a set of tools including video tutorials and a checklist to promote course accessibility for all students, including those using assistive technology. The practices recommended are intended to help course designers make the best use of the available tools in the learning management system which promote accessibility and usability while also avoiding those tools which present a barrier to students with some disabilities.
Introduction to Using Vista Accessibly (part of the Technology and Learning Program web site)
Video Tutorial: Course Navigation
Video Tutorial: Labeling Images