CSUEB librarians research accessibility of popular tutorial software

• March 8, 2011 5:00am

Library Hi Tech journal published new research by Cal State East Bay Librarians, Aline Soules and Diana Wakimoto.

In their paper, "Evaluating Accessibility Features of Tutorial Creation Software," Soules and Wakimoto compared the accessibility features and ease of use of three tutorial creation products - Camtasia 6 (by TechSmith), Captivate 4 (by Adobe), and VoiceThread to determine which product creates the most accessible tutorials for people with disabilities. Read document.

The authors' intent was to enable other librarians to make more informed decisions when purchasing and using tutorial creation products. "Accessibility is a key component in every library product and service offered by the California State University System (CSU) to its students, faculty, staff, and external users. At California State University, East Bay (CSUEB), with its strong emphasis on online teaching, accessibility is promoted and encouraged," wrote Soules and Wakimoto.

Their research found that "Camtasia and Captivate exceed VoiceThread in terms of accessibility compliance. In testing the products, the authors concluded that the VPATs were accurate, with minor exceptions. All products provide user manuals and help guides; Camtasia and Captivate have steeper learning curves than VoiceThread."

KL