As an educational technologist, I search for the best Tech Tools to be integrated into lessons to engage and motivate the learners. Besides, I would like a wide learner to benefit from teaching materials. That’s why I think making documents accessible, it’s necessary to unlock course content to everyone.
PowerPoint is one of the easiest presentation software that allows creating slides to present lessons. I usually use it during my synchronous class. And, I always wonder if all learners can identify instructional materials of the course. So, I attended online training about creating accessible course content (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, ...)
Below, I share with you useful tips to make Your PowerPoint Presentation Accessible in the easiest way:
- Use accessible font format: familiar sans serif fonts such as Arial or Calibri and color font to have sufficient color contrast between slide text and slide background. You can check through these color contrast checkers: Color Contrast Pal or WebAIM’s Color Contrast Checker
- Check reading order to slides to be correct when the screen reader reads it: By default, a screen reader will read the slide title first, followed by other content in elements defined in the slide layout. But, if you add content, it should be changed reading order to be read from bottom to top for screen reader by selecting: Home > Arrange > Selection Pane.
- Add Alternative Text for Images: Right-click on the image and select Edit Alt text or Format Picture
- Make the Contents of the Tables accessible to screen reader users: Click The Table Tools options should become visible, and the Design tab should be open. Check the make sure the Header Row checkbox is checked. And, if the first column of the table contains headers for each row, check the First Column checkbox.
- Finally, check if there are accessibility issues, it will show on the accessibility checker in Windows: To run the accessibility checker in Windows, select File > Info. Select the Check for Issues button and choose Check Accessibility.
I make a PowerPoint presentation accessible: it shows a variety of slides (texts, animations, images, videos, ...) of a spelling lesson that was prepared using digital tools such as Animaker and Quizziz to promote interactivity.
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