Why Accessible Video and Audio Matters
Video and audio add variety, flexibility, and depth to a course. They support different learning styles and allow students to revisit material at their own pace.
However, without captions or transcripts, videos and audio recordings can create barriers. At least 1 in 8 people in the U.S. experience hearing loss (NIDCD, 2021). Many more students choose captions for convenience, clarity, or reinforcement. Ensuring your course media is accessible benefits all students, not just those with hearing disabilities.
How to Use Video and Audio in Canvas
There are several simple ways to make sure the videos you share in your courses are accessible. We encourage all faculty to use YuJa, a video-recording platform built directly into Canvas. YuJa automatically captions videos recorded through its system. You can also upload videos into YuJa for captioning.
The video below walks you through captioning videos in YuJa. If you need additional help, check out these resources:
General Tips for Alternative Texts and Image Descriptions:
- Keep it short. Aim for 6–10 minute lecture videos rather than a single 50-minute recording. If longer videos are necessary, provide time stamps or reflection pauses.
- Always caption or transcribe. All course videos should include accurate, synchronized captions. Audio content should have transcripts.
Additional Resources
- This page walks you through how to edit caption in YuJa: Editing Captions in the Video Editor
- This Canvas page contains resources from Digital Learning on creating videos with YuJa: YuJa Resources
Need Help?
- Stop by our Virtual Support Drop-In Zoom Room, which is open Monday – Friday, 9-4.
- Book a time to meet with a team member through our Digital Learning Bookings page!
- Email us at its.digitallearning@unomaha.edu.