Students who are blind or visually impaired often rely on assistive technologies like screen readers, such as Job Access With Speech, commonly known as JAWS, to access digital content. These tools audibly read aloud all on-screen page elements, enabling students to navigate and interact with their learning environments. Platforms like Canvas and Teams are designed to adhere to accessibility standards, ensuring that these students can fully access course materials. However, navigating these platforms using screen readers can still pose challenges.
In partnership with USF’s Student Accessibility Services (SAS) and Information Technology, Innovative Education’s Digital Learning team initiated a series of tests intended to better understand – and ultimately enhance – the user experience for those using screen readers. The team wanted to identify anything that may hinder or prevent a student from participating in and/or accessing elements of the course, provide vendors with the feedback for accessibility improvements, and inform the design and development of resources for faculty and staff.
The Project Inception: USF’s First Assistive Device Evaluation
The first evaluation took place in December 2013 and January 2014, originating from a discussion between SAS and Digital Learning. Initially intended as a simple observation of a student accessing Canvas with JAWS, one of the most popular screen readers for visually impaired users, the project quickly evolved into a more structured evaluation. The student completed a series of predefined Canvas tasks: reviewed an announcement, took a quiz, submitted an assignment, and messaged the instructor. Throughout the session, the team carefully observed and documented any difficulties encountered. The student shared valuable feedback and suggestions beyond the original tasks, offering sidebar comments and questions. The results from these initial tests identified several areas for improvement, which were escalated to Instructure (the parent company of Canvas, the learning management system USF uses) and they were quickly resolved.
The Pandemic Hits: Testing the Accessibility of Microsoft Teams
In 2020, Microsoft Teams emerged as a primary platform for class delivery. The three USF units launched another accessibility evaluation, this time focusing on Teams. Fortunately, the voluntary participant was both a student and an instructor, providing a unique opportunity to gather insights from both perspectives. The participant completed several tasks specific to Teams: turn off/on camera, chat, attach files, share screen, mute all, invite a participant to the meeting, and more.
They discovered that while participant was able to navigate Teams and complete the tasks with relative ease, as in the previous test, the participant's questions, and comments throughout the session provided valuable information. These insights were escalated to a team within Microsoft specializing in the accessibility of Teams and other Office apps, enhancing the platform's accessibility optimization.
Most Recent Testing
The most recent evaluation took place in December 2024, where the team evaluated Canvas, Teams, and Honorlock (USF’s online proctoring system). While the team is still reviewing the recorded sessions and documenting key findings, it is clear that Canvas and Teams have made notable improvements in accessibility for users of assistive devices, with previously identified issues no longer present. The team will once again provide the findings to the vendors so they can update and enhance the platforms as needed.
The Future
There is no substitute for this kind of first-hand feedback. The data collected from these sessions not only serves as valuable feedback for vendors but also helps shape best practices in design. USF’s Digital Learning team will continue to collaborate with SAS and IT to facilitate similar evaluations across other platforms, ensuring that students using assistive devices have the best possible learning experience.
USF’s Digital Learning leaders say that ensuring digital accessibility is a continuous effort, not just a task to check off. It is essential that teams explore all forms of testing and data gathering to ensure that systems remain accessible to all learners.