We believe that accessibility is key to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
Our commitment to accessibility is reflected in the wide range of resources and tools we offer to ensure that every student can engage fully with their studies.
From the Canvas Baseline, which provides essential best practice information and promotes consistency across courses, to Ally for Canvas, which enhances the accessibility of digital learning content, we are dedicated to making education accessible to everyone.
In addition to these tools, we offer training and courses such as the Accessible Documents Training workshop and the Accessibility in Practice Canvas course.
Join us as we explore the various accessibility resources available at Newcastle University and discover how they can benefit you and your academic journey.
Canvas Baseline
The Newcastle University Canvas Baseline outlines the essential requirements for all University modules within the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It ensures students receive a core set of materials, including programme-related information and details about learning, assessment, and skills for each module.
The Baseline aims to create consistency across modules, provide clear guidance
on available information and resources, and offer a foundation for module development while enhancing student engagement through Canvas.
More information on the Canvas Baseline can be found on the Canvas Baseline pages on the Learning and Teaching Website.
New Courses Guidance
The Get your Canvas courses ready has a checklist section provides a step-by-step
guide for preparing Canvas courses. This includes checking your courses for accessibility in both Canvas and Ally.
More information on New Course Guidance can be found on the New Courses Guidance page on the Learning and Teaching website.
Ally
Ally for Canvas is a tool integrated into Newcastle University’s Canvas platform to enhance the accessibility of digital learning content. It automatically generates alternative formats of course files, such as MP3, electronic braille, ePub, and HTML, making it easier for students to access materials in the format that suits them best.
For instructors, Ally provides an accessibility score for uploaded files and offers guidance on how to improve them. This helps ensure that course content is inclusive and accessible
to all students.
More information on Ally in Canvas can be found on the Ally for Canvas page on the Learning and Teaching website.
Accessible Documents Training
In this workshop we uncover why accessible practices are so important
for our students and colleagues.
The workshop includes short activities to introduce participants to tools and
techniques to ensure digital materials are accessible, and includes audience
interaction via Vevox.
If you are interested in taking part in this training, please contact: [email protected]
Accessibility in Practice – Canvas Course (Self Enrol)
Learning and Teaching Development Service (LTDS) host an Accessibility in
Practice Canvas course. The course provides you with some core information, skills, and techniques for embedding accessibility into your teaching, learning, and work practice,
and in making your digital resources accessible to everyone.
Accessibility benefits everybody, not just individuals with additional needs. You can self enrol on the course to complete at your own pace.
This course can be accessed here: Accessibility in Practice – Canvas Course (Self Enrol).