Principle 2: Alternative Text
Why use Alternative Text
Alternative text is provided for all images that offer instructional value but without being redundant. Close your eyes and imagine the text being read to you - does it make sense within the context of the rest of the information? Avoid repeating the same message. Alternative text describes the appearance of an image on your Canvas page, discussion, assignment, or quiz. A short description is provided when you click on or hover over an image. By using alt text, everyone can view your content, especially students who use screen readers. It is important to add the alt text description or add it as a decorative section because the screen readers will interpret the content of the page. (Refer to the screen reader simulation in module one for a refresher).
How to Add Alt Text to an Image
There are two ways to add Alt text to the images in Canvas.
1. You can add the description once you have selected your image to upload. Click on the image icon on the toolbar and click on upload image.
2. Once you have accessed the upload page, you can drag your image to the page. You can also click on the page, and it will take you to your drive. Select your image and click on “Open.”
3. Before you click on the submit button, scroll down to Attributes, and click on the Alt Text box. Add the image description and click on the "submit" button.
4. The second is adding the alt text once the image has been uploaded to Canvas.
Click on the image and click on Image Options.
In the Alt Text box, type in your description.
If the image is just a decorative image and has no significance to the content, then you can click on Decorative Image.
*Please note, you will need to be in edit mode to add the alt text.
Text Etiquette
Do not include phrases such as this " image of a sleeping cat" to describe your images.
Instead use phrases such as " a cat sleeping on a blanket"