How can I balance what is "fun" or "edu-taining" with the need to have an ADA compliant course?
I work in the public sector. ADA rules are being STRICTLY enforced. I have been developing OLT for... well a bit. I am now finding it... well... kinda boring. I can't even use layers because of the chaos it causes in the tab order. I have tried "jazzing it up" with images and witty dialogue but... my creativity is hitting a wall.
What suggestions do you have on how to keep it "cool" but accessible? And of course fast and nimble!
I understand that good instructional design is what ultimately makes or breaks a course. What I am looking for is some insights on how others are taking advantage of the "cool features" available in SL while still being ADA compliant.
Layers are only one example of interactions that don't make it passes an ADA review. I can't use mouse overs, sliders, drag and drop... FORGET about any crazy variables to personalize or make it fun.
We have at least 15 modules (more in development) an apprentice group must take as part of a larger 10 month training. What suggestions do you have to make it meaningful... yet enjoyable too?
I agree with Allison that anecdotes really make a course engaging for me. If you tell me a story, THAT'S what I remember. If you're able to use another tool WITH Storyline, you might want to look at Vyond (previously GoAnimiate) to animate some of those anecdotes to make it more engaging. Of course, you can always animate things within Storyline to enhance the story if you're wanting to stick with one tool.
Would it be possible to have some Yes/No questions throughout? Something that was keyboard accessible such as "Click Y for yes, N for no." type situation. This way, you wouldn't need to use any mouse moves and it might be ADA compliant.
I'm not sure what ADA allows, so that's where I'm getting a little stuck on suggestions.
4 Replies
Hi David,
Great question! Here a few things you can do without needing to work with layers:
I hope that's helpful! I'm interested to see what others will say here.
I understand that good instructional design is what ultimately makes or breaks a course. What I am looking for is some insights on how others are taking advantage of the "cool features" available in SL while still being ADA compliant.
Layers are only one example of interactions that don't make it passes an ADA review. I can't use mouse overs, sliders, drag and drop... FORGET about any crazy variables to personalize or make it fun.
We have at least 15 modules (more in development) an apprentice group must take as part of a larger 10 month training. What suggestions do you have to make it meaningful... yet enjoyable too?
I agree with Allison that anecdotes really make a course engaging for me. If you tell me a story, THAT'S what I remember. If you're able to use another tool WITH Storyline, you might want to look at Vyond (previously GoAnimiate) to animate some of those anecdotes to make it more engaging. Of course, you can always animate things within Storyline to enhance the story if you're wanting to stick with one tool.
Would it be possible to have some Yes/No questions throughout? Something that was keyboard accessible such as "Click Y for yes, N for no." type situation. This way, you wouldn't need to use any mouse moves and it might be ADA compliant.
I'm not sure what ADA allows, so that's where I'm getting a little stuck on suggestions.
Thank you... I am also looking to improve MY experience in the development process. Adding animations and help solve both issues.
This discussion is closed. You can start a new discussion or contact Articulate Support.