Creating Accessible Video Tutorials

An ACRL e-Learning Online Course
October 14-November 1, 2013

Description: Learn about the types of accessibility needed for video tutorials, as well as why accessible videos can benefit everyone.  While other seminars and classes have covered creating tutorials, accessibility is usually either not covered or not covered in detail. Providing accessible tutorials benefits not only individuals with disabilities, but also ESL learners and mobile users.

Discover tips for making your content accessible independent of software chosen, highlighting the use of a script to ensure that sufficient audible cues are provided in the video. For example, saying "click here" when clicking a link on the page does not provide enough information for vision-impaired students to follow along, even though it is natural when recording off the cuff.  Participants will record short tutorials to get a feel for providing audible cues.   Next we'll discuss the accessibility features to look for in various programs to guide software selection for making videos. Information on the accessibility of various software programs (paid and free) will be covered, guided by what participants are using (determined via survey prior to or at the beginning of class). We’ll also cover closed captioning, as provided by the software or via video hosting services.   The emphasis throughout the class will be for participants to improve the accessibility of their videos using the software they already own (or that are freely available). Ideally, participants will take the content for an existing tutorial and revise it to improve accessibility. While other seminars and classes have covered creating tutorials, accessibility is usually either not covered or not covered in detail. Providing accessible tutorials benefits not only individuals with disabilities, but also ESL learners and mobile users.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Be able to write scripts for video tutorials that provide audible cues for vision-impaired students.
  • Identify accessibility features to look for in screen recording and video playback software.
  • Add closed captioning to a video, using tutorial creation software like Camtasia/Captivate or by using YouTube.

Presenter: Danielle Skaggs, Coordinator of Online Instructional Design, California State University, Northridge

Target Audience: Individuals currently creating or interested in creating tutorials.

Type of Audience:

  • People brand new to the topic.
  • People with some experience in the topic, but looking to grow.

Course Requirements: Your participation will require approximately three to five hours per week of primarily asynchronous activities to:

  • Read the online seminar material
  • Post to online discussion boards
  • Complete online exercises
  • Complete a seminar evaluation form

Registration fees:

ACRL member: $135
ALA member: $175
Nonmember: $195
Student: $60

How to register: Registration materials will be available summer 2013.

Member rates apply to personal memberships only. Want to join ACRL or ALA? Complete the online membership form, available on the ALA Web site. If you join ALA/ACRL within five days of registering, we will adjust your fee (please fax a copy of your completed registration form to ACRL at 312-280-2520 ).

Payment may be made by credit card or purchase order (PO) only. If paying by PO, the PO number is required at the time of registration. Class size is limited to 60 participants. Full refunds will be granted up to 14 days prior to the start of the seminar.

Questions should be directed to Margot Conahan at mconahan@ala.org.