Writing Effective Alt-Text in Statistics and Data Science


Aimee Schwab-McCoy, Pamela Fellers (zyBooks)


Abstract

Non-text content, such as images, diagrams, and animations, in digital resources should include alternative text (alt-text) to promote accessibility and an improved user experience. For educational resources, alt-text should take into consideration the intended use and context of the content for teaching and learning. However, writing effective alt-text can be challenging, especially in data-driven disciplines. This breakout session will introduce participants to best practices and standards for writing alt-text in statistics and data science. Participants will be provided with examples of effective and ineffective alt-text, and practice writing alt-text in breakout groups. We will also cover tools for adding and generating alt-text for images in R.