I personally like to keep all of my Word documents similar using headers and bold text. I find that using black text with indented headers allows for readers to follow the information clearly.
Hello Renee,
It's important to make documents easy to read.
Documents ought to be well organized with headers in bold for each section and sub headers for each topic. The topics should be arranged in a logical sequence.
Sincerely,
Michael Luzius
We had a visually impaired student at our school with whom I worked for several months. He had JAWS software on his laptop. All his texts were provided to him in either Word or PDF format from the publisher, and I recall that whenever he came across a table, it was a disaster. Whenever possible, I ended up reformatting all the table information simply so the information made sense as it was read back to him. Formatting really does make a huge difference!
Using preset "Styles" for marking up headers and lists.
It is actually even easier to use the preset style then trying to make up your own. Plus it provides easier viewing for the learner.
Keep it clean, organized, limit color but use high contrast between text and background (black font on white background).
By far, the easiest thing to do would be to save the document in PDF format. I find loading the LMS with pdf files instead of Word files also leads to less pilfering of the original document and discourages academic dishonesty.
The "save as" feature in all MicroSoft products allows the user to save items as pdf files.
The benefits of this are that many screen readers find it much easier to read pdf files than other files - in other words, they are ready made for those with disabilities!
I also post the use of this little trick:
Ctrl + makes any image on the screen bigger!
I teach mathematics, and sometimes the exponents can appear very small, so that is a nifty little trick for those with visual impairments or those using 8 or 10 inch pads.
Wonderful course!!
I will often use an introductory Power Point presentation of only black font on a white background, particularly when writing essays is part of the curriculum. I connect this to the academic style used by the college or department to gear students toward effectively using an academic or professional writing style. Often a font with serifs, such as Times New Roman, will allow the eye to effectively flow across the message, allowing a reader unimpeded access to the information presented.
Letitia,
good ideas. But remember for videos and ppt there should be a transcript or audio attached.
Renee Shaffer
I think the greatest and easiest thing to do is use much bigger font. There are others, but if the font is big enough (at least 12 or 14) multiple learners would be able to see and read the material. In addition, there should also be some audio or a trascript to accomodate those that may be visially impaired.
Thanks,
Letitia
Consistency.
Use large font but use the same font.
Bullet points.
No tables.
Ralph Fornari
Keep the formatting simple by not using tables and adding alt text to images. This will allow text reading software to interpret the information.
- Rick
A couple things will help.
Keep the formatting consistent.
Keep the font size large.
The leading open.
Use visual hierarchy for key sections and key points.
Add visuals as much as possible.
Follow those steps and the materials should be an easy read.
Barry,
Nice idea. Key words instead of the specific words. I like that.
Renee Shaffer
I always find that organization, both in form and in thought are key. IF you start our without a header that clearly shows the topic of the page, many students get lost before finding what they need.
I use a simple abstract model so that each student can scan through a set of simple keywords and find exactly what they are in need to find.
For example.. Chiffonade is a standard knife cut... but it wouldn't be a primary keyword.. Knife cuts would be first, and then under it you would find allumette, brunoise, and then chiffonade...
One easy thing that an online instructor can do when designing Word documents for their course is to use consistent and large font (14 point or higher). If the student is completely blind, then audio transcription of each document may be necessary.
Ashley,
Yes, and the document will be a better one for all students!
Renee Shaffer
Avoid poor text formatting, badly defined list or tables, small font and colored text. Avoiding these problems will most likely give the students with disabilities a more flexible word document.
Consistency! This includes consistency in font, font size, labeling, headings, etc.
First and foremost, make the document readable for all students. It must be clear and concise and get to the point to avoid confusion. Include headings, make lists vs. tables, and avoid the use of color. Ensure that the black/white contrast is consistent with readability and avoid bells and whistles to “jazz up†the document.
consistent format and large font size
