What is WCAG?

WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. WCAG 2.1 is an international standard that explains how to make web content accessible to all users. This standard applies to all web content, including text, images, audio, multimedia, web pages, web applications, code, and markup.

Four Principles of WCAG 2.1

WCAG 2.1 is organized around four core principles. Digital content should be:

• Perceivable
• Operable
• Understandable
• Robust

Each principle includes testable criteria that can be measured at levels A, AA, or AAA, which determine whether content conforms to WCAG.

Consistency and Predictability

Consistency and predictability are important aspects of accessibility. Students should be able to navigate the course without confusion. It is best to keep module layouts consistent, use clear navigation, and avoid sudden layout changes.

Easy to Read and See

Course content should be readable and visually accessible for all students. One best practice is to use high color contrast between text and backgrounds. Another is to use readable font sizes and simple font styles. Additionally, content should be organized into headings, lists, and short paragraphs.

Alternative Formats

Students should be able to access media in multiple ways. It is advisable to add captions to videos, provide transcripts for audio content, include alt text for meaningful images, and ensure that linked files can be opened with assistive technology.

Standard Semantic Markup

Semantic markup helps assistive technologies understand and navigate course content. One way to support this is by properly using headings. This includes using built-in heading styles in Canvas, Word, and Google Docs and organizing content with headings in the correct order. Other ways to improve accessibility include using tables only for data, labeling links clearly, and avoiding manual text formatting.

If you have any questions, please schedule a consultation with us!

If you are interested in learning more, watch the full training here!

Upcoming Events 

Workshop Wednesday: AI in Active Learning

June 17th, 1:30-2:30 PM

Facilitated by Digital Learning Strategist Dara Abimbade, PhD

Join this workshop to learn about how AI can be used to increase active learning! This training will define active learning and provide several strategies for implementing AI as an active learning tool in your course

Click here to register for Workshop Wednesday

Quick Hits: Introduction to Academic Integrity Tools

June 25th, 3-4 PM

Facilitated by Gray Jackson, Sr. Learning Tech Specialist.

This training will introduce you to utilizing Turnitin, LockDown Browser, and Respondus Monitor in Canvas. This training is ideal for anyone new to using these tools or those who would like a refresher. 

Click here to register for Quick Hits

Clemson Online Summer 2026 Events Calendar

Review our Summer 2026 Events Calendar to see what Online Instruction Development opportunities await!

We have a robust lineup of topics and live training formats to support your use of Canvas and other e-learning tools. Topics cover demonstrations of using Kaltura, engaging your students, and workshops to get your Canvas site ready to teach!

All of our live training is recorded. Registrants will automatically receive a link to that day’s video after it has been processed.

Contact Millie Tullis with any questions regarding these sessions.

Clemson Online – Where Tech and Teaching Meet