Guideline 1.2 - Time-based Media
Outline
This article details a point in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and what the implications are for creating accessible course content in Evolve and is part of a larger path.
To view the full guidelines, please visit the Accessibility: WCAG 2.1 and Evolve path.
Guideline 1.2.1
Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) Level A. For prerecorded audio-only and prerecorded video-only media, the following are true, except when the audio or video is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such:
- Prerecorded Audio-only: An alternative for time-based media is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded audio-only content.
- Prerecorded Video-only: Either an alternative for time-based media or an audio track is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded video-only content.
Explanation
This means that any video content requires a transcript and/or subtitles, and any audio content needs a transcript. It may also mean including audio description for videos — by this, we mean additional audio that explains any non-verbal action happening on screen.
What does this mean for your Evolve content?
Any component in Evolve that utilizes audio or video has the capacity to add transcripts and subtitles. In addition, the Media Component allows you to add an additional audio description track that could include descriptions for anything non-verbal that’s happening on screen.
We recommend using .vtt files for adding subtitles to your videos, as opposed to including a subtitle on your actual video. This means they can easily be amended or translated without any work having to be done to the actual video itself. You can upload .vtt files in Evolve wherever there is video content.
Guideline 1.2.2
Captions (Prerecorded) Level A Captions are provided for all prerecorded audio content in synchronized media, except when the media is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such.
Explanation
This expands upon 1.2.1 above, by stating that the audio aspect of any media needs text that includes descriptions of anything happening on screen that could be missed if the learner cannot sufficiently hear the audio track.
They use the word ‘captions’ to differentiate from subtitles, as subtitles by definition only have to include the verbal content of a video. The detail of this point also specifies that the ability exists to turn the captions on or off.
What does this mean for your Evolve content?
Wherever the ability to add subtitles exists in Evolve, the learner can switch them on or off in the media player. To fulfill this requirement, you also need to add any descriptive text to describe anything happening on screen that isn’t covered in the audio.
If you are including a video that’s some kind of informational animation, talking-head style interview, or another kind of documentary piece, there may well be no need for any additional description. If you are including scenarios or other kinds of drama in your video, this may be more crucial to include. It’s something to consider when first planning any video content for your course.
Guideline 1.2.3
Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) Level A An alternative for time-based media or audio description of the prerecorded video content is provided for synchronized media, except when the media is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such.
Explanation
This expands upon 1.2.1 and re-emphasizes the need for audio descriptions for any video content if required.
What does this mean for your Evolve content?
The Media Component allows you to add a separate audio description (in mp3 format) to your video content, that can be switched on or off by your learners.
When creating your audio description track, it needs to be the length of the whole video, and only include descriptions where necessary that aren’t going to overlap with the existing dialogue or other important sounds in the existing audio track. If you are unsure how to start, there is a wealth of information on audio description here.
Guideline 1.2.4
Captions (Live) Level AA Captions are provided for all live audio content in synchronized media.
Explanation
This is applicable to web content rather than eLearning content, as it applies to live audio happening rather than something pre-recorded.
What does this mean for your Evolve content?
This point isn't applicable to creating content in Evolve.
Guideline 1.2.5
Audio Description (Prerecorded) Level AA Audio description is provided for all prerecorded video content in synchronized media.
Explanation
This is applicable to web content rather than eLearning content, as it applies to live video rather than something pre-recorded.
What does this mean for your Evolve content?
This point isn't applicable to creating content in Evolve.
Guideline 1.2.6
Sign Language (Prerecorded) Level AAA Sign language interpretation is provided for all prerecorded audio content in synchronized media.
Explanation
This refers to having a video of sign language to accompany or act as an alternative for any audio content.
What does this mean for your Evolve content?
This isn’t something that could be automated, but rather filmed and included to meet this triple A requirement. This point emphasizes how crucial it is to know your accessible audience. Do you have learners that would really benefit from sign language interpreters of your media? If so, you need to allow the time and expense associated with providing this to your plans for media content.
Guideline 1.2.7
Extended Audio Description (Prerecorded) Level AAA Where pauses in foreground audio are insufficient to allow audio descriptions to convey the sense of the video, extended audio description is provided for all prerecorded video content in synchronized media.
Explanation
This means if there aren’t sufficient gaps in a video’s audio track to provide audio description, a wholly separate audio track is provided.
What does this mean for your Evolve content?
You could use the Audio Component to provide a longer, separate audio track that includes the full audio description of your video. You could also put this on a separate page, and use the Links Component to direct the learner to it, should they wish to listen.
You can make this page separate from any tracking requirements of the rest of the course. You can do this by using the Course Attainment Extension to specify which blocks or components count towards course completion. This way, learners who don’t require the audio description can complete the course without having to visit this page.
Guideline 1.2.8
Media Alternative (Prerecorded) Level AAA An alternative for time-based media is provided for all prerecorded synchronized media and for all prerecorded video-only media.
Explanation
This means providing a stand-alone text equivalent for any media.
What does this mean for your content in Evolve?
This requirement could easily be fulfilled with a transcript, as long as that transcript included descriptions of action and character names, for example.
The detail on this guideline suggests thinking of it as being comparable to a screenplay for a film, and all the information that would include. Again, if you didn’t want to include that level of detail in your main transcript, use the Links Component to link to a separate page containing the full ‘screenplay.’
Guideline 1.2.9
Audio-only (Live) Level AAA An alternative for time-based media that presents equivalent information for live audio-only content is provided.
Explanation
This means providing stand-alone text specifically for any instances of live audio, so is not applicable to an eLearning course.
What does this mean for your content in Evolve?
This point isn't applicable to creating content in Evolve.
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