University of Illinois System

6. Graphics/Images

Statement: 

When using images in your course, ask what role the image plays.  Is the image purely decorative or does it convey meaning?  Is the image composed of text or of pictures, or both?  Is the image also a link?  Images must be tagged either through alt-text, captioning, surrounding text, or by including a link to a description.

Alt-text provides a textual alternative to non-text content in webpages.  Alt-text is read by screen readers in place of images allowing the content and function of the image to be accessible.  Sometimes a short description is all that is needed; however, complex images such as graphs, charts, and diagrams usually require a full and detailed description through alt text.

This category includes images used on any websites, PowerPoint slides, and books used within the course.

Questions: 

Have you added alt-text to images?  Do your links contain a meaningful description of the destination?

Resources:

Previous | Next