Accessible Images
One relatively easy step to take to make your files and Blackboard pages accessible is to provide "alt tags" (also called alt text) for images. An alt tag provides a verbal description of the image so that students with low or no vision can get the information.
Guidelines for alt tags:
- The text should describe the image if the image contains information
- The text should explain where the link goes if the image is a link
- Use alt="" (null tag) if the image is only for decoration
Adding Alt Text to Word files (video)
Adding Alt Text in Blackboard (tutorial)
Google Docs
I will host a workshop on Google Docs on Wed. Feb. 8 from noon to 1 om in UC 145. This is a computer lab – so you can use a computer there or bring your own. We will cover creating, editing, and sharing Google Docs, as well as converting GDocs to and from Word, and using the revision history. I will also discuss Google Drive and why I depend on it for all my files.
See the Google Learning Center for more information on Google Docs and other Google applications.
Customize the Blackboard landing page
I recommend customizing the My Courses pane on the Blackboard landing page. Particularly with the new course names, taking a moment to organize your courses will make life easier for you.
Emergency closure info
UAAlerts sends text messages, emails and phone calls to students and employees if there is a weather closure or other emergencies. Make sure your information in UAOnline is up-to-date to receive these messages. Remind your students to keep their information current as well. Weather closures are also posted:
- UAA website (uaa.alaska.edu)
- UAA social media (Facebook and Twitter)
- UAA phone hotline (786-1800)
- Anchorage news outlets (KTUU, KTVA, Alaska Dispatch, Alaska Public Radio Network, etc.)
