Module 7: Web Writing, Digital Accessibility, & Open Licensing
Technical Writing by Tiffani Tijerina is licensed CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International
Technical Writing by Tiffani Tijerina is licensed CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 International
Apply topic-based writing principles to create modular, standalone chunks of information tailored for digital platforms rather than traditional, linear print manuals.
Strategically utilize contemporary digital tools, presentation methodologies, and social media spaces to communicate technical information effectively to online audiences.
Define core accessibility terminology and recognize the visual, cognitive, and physical user needs, such as colorblindness and dyslexia, that dictate inclusive design.
Execute concrete accessible design choices including writing descriptive alt text, configuring hierarchical headings/styles, and developing presentation scripts.
Analyze how prioritizing accessibility functions as a proactive rhetorical choice that enhances clarity, usability, and document quality for all audiences, both disabled and non-disabled.
*Explainer generated with Notebook LM, using the Open Pedagogy Student Toolkit as the source content.
More than Memos is a YouTube account with some really great analyses of different examples of technical communication. With each module, I'll assign you a video to watch with a different example. Enjoy!
You are currently creating an interactive instructional guide aimed at teaching a technical skill or concept. As communicators, we have an ethical responsibility to ensure our content is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities or impairments that affect how they perceive and interact with digital content.
For this discussion, consider the following questions:
Why is digital accessibility an important ethical consideration when creating instructional materials? What potential barriers or challenges could users with disabilities face when accessing poorly designed content?
Discuss 2-3 key principles or techniques in accessible design that you will prioritize in your interactive instructional guide project to enhance accessibility.
How can you test your interactive instructional guide during the design process to evaluate its accessibility? What tools, methods, or user testing approaches would you recommend?
Imagine a scenario where implementing certain accessibility features creates technical limitations or conflicts with other design goals. How would you weigh and prioritize accessibility versus other factors? What ethical principles would guide your decision-making process?
You don't have to respond to a classmate this week because this is more about your brainstorming for your projects, but I encourage you to review each other's posts for ideas.