as others have said the chat facility isn't accessible but this isn't just a
webCT problem I've yet to find a truly accessible web based chat interface,
some are better than others but non are as easy as dedicated chat software
such as instant messaging systems like MSN or true irc clients like Mirc or
MS chat.

the discussion boards in webCT aren't wonderful but they are better than
those in BlackBoard (another VLE suite).

not sure which level of webCT out institution uses but the Email system is
web based and while it is accessible this makes it much slower than real
client based Email.

many of the internal navigation links within webCT are java script so may be
problematic for old screen readers but not for the current generation.
the java script links do mean you can't open their targets in a new window
which is a strategy some people use so as not to lose their place in the
original document.

again as someone already said the access to a course in webCT depends
largely on the accessibility of the html content uploaded.

My institution is currently deciding wether to stick with and upgrade
BlackBoard or move to webCT and I've been doing some access comparisons but
as my access to webCT is dependant on being able to beg access to otehr
peoples courses in other institutions I too would be grateful for anyones
experiences.

Adrian Higginbotham
ODL
0161 2952555
Technology house.
Lissadel Street
Salford, M6 6AP
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ann Parsons" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2002 3:53 PM
Subject: WebCT


> Hi all,
>
> I can't make any technical suggestions, but WebCT is not truly
> accessible.  One reason for this is that when in chat mode, it
> continually scrolls and the speech synthe repeats the entire screen.
> The message boards are OK, but it's really not friendly at all.  I
> don't know how to make it friendly, I'm sorry, but I did want you to
> know that I heard you and I'm eager to see the answer to your
> question.
>
> Ann P.
>
> --
>                         Ann K. Parsons
> email:  [log in to unmask]                   ICQ Number:  33006854
> WEB SITE:  http://home.eznet.net/~akp
> "All that is gold does not glitter.  Not all those who wander are lost."
JRRT
>