Using Alt Text to Create Inclusive Course Content

Alt text is one way to make your course content more accessible to all learners, particularly those with visual impairments or those using screen readers to comprehend and engage with the content.

Alt text, short for alternative text, is a written description that provides information about the content and function of an image on a webpage. This text is typically embedded in the HTML code and serves as a substitute for images when they cannot be displayed or when a learner is utilizing assistive technologies like screen readers.

All 2U/edX platforms support the inclusion of alt text for images placed in courses. Below are 4 strategies to help you write more effective alt text.

Be Descriptive and Concise 

Alt text should provide a succinct and accurate description of the image. Focus on conveying the essential information without being overly verbose. Aim for a balance between being concise and informative.

 Example:

 Poor Alt Text: "A beautiful, sunny day with a blue sky and green grass."

 Effective Alt Text: "A sunny landscape with blue sky and green grass."

Convey Context and Purpose

Consider the context in which the image is presented and the role it plays in the content. Describe not only what the image depicts but also its significance or purpose within the context of the page.

Example:

Poor Alt Text: "Chart."

Effective Alt Text: "Line chart illustrating the increase in website traffic over the past six months."

Include Relevant Details

If an image contains important details, include them in the alt text. Think about what information someone would miss if they could not see the image, and aim to capture those details in your description.

Example:

Poor Alt Text: "Person reading a book."

Effective Alt Text: "A person reading a book under a tree with autumn leaves falling."

Avoid Redundancy

If the surrounding text already conveys the same information as the image, it may be unnecessary to repeat it in the alt text. Use alt text to complement and provide additional information.

Example:

Redundant Alt Text:* "A smiling team in a corporate office."

Effective Alt Text:* "A corporate team celebrating a successful project."

Incorporating effective alt text into your web content is a great step toward creating a more inclusive and accessible online environment. By following these strategies, you can ensure that your images contribute to a richer and more informative user experience for all.