Simple Syllabus

 

Simple Syllabus is Here!

Let’s be honest, updating the course syllabus isn’t fun, but what if updating and sharing your syllabus was not only easier, but better for your students and the college?  That’s exactly what Simple Syllabus can do! Simple Syllabus streamlines the syllabus process, making it easier to build, update, and share your syllabus, while improving accessibility and consistency.

What Is Simple Syllabus?

Simple Syllabus is a cloud-based tool that works within Canvas to make creating, updating, and distributing the syllabus easier and more efficient. Rather than uploading a static Word or PDF document, Simple Syllabus provides a template that auto-populates institutional information and allows you to focus on the unique elements of your course. The clean layout and mobile-friendly format make it easier for students to find the information they need when they need it. And when you need to make changes, just edit and students see the latest version in real time.

How to Get Started 

Simple Syllabus is now available in the Canvas course shell of credit summer courses. 

1. Log into Canvas and go to one of your summer courses.
2. Click on the “Simple Syllabus” link in the left-hand navigation menu.
3. You’ll see a template ready for you to customize.
4. Save and Publish.

Let’s Make Syllabi More Useful

Simple Syllabus will 
• Improve college-wide consistency.
• Make syllabi easier to access for transfer questions.
• Include real-time updates.
• Allow faculty to see which students have read the syllabus.
• Include college policies.
• Improve accessibility.
• Be accessible from mobile devices.
• And more!

Hopefully you’ll agree that Simple Syllabus is a win for you, your students and the college. 

Need help? Webinars will be held in late April and May. These webinars will be recorded so you can watch them at your convenience. To learn more, go to the Simple Syllabus website. If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to eLearning at elearning@pgcc.edu 

 The Importance of Digital Accessibility

In today’s digital world, access to online information, services, and tools is essential for work, education, and daily life. However, not everyone experiences content in the same way. Digital accessibility ensures that people with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments, can navigate, understand, and interact with digital content effectively.

What Is Digital Accessibility?

Digital accessibility refers to designing websites, applications, and digital content in a way that accommodates all users, regardless of ability. This includes providing alternative text for images, captions for videos, keyboard-friendly navigation, screen reader compatibility, and more. 

Why Is Digital Accessibility Important?

1. Inclusivity and Equal Access – The internet should be usable by everyone, including individuals with disabilities. Accessibility ensures that no one is left behind.

2. Legal Compliance – Many countries have laws requiring digital accessibility, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the European Accessibility Act.

3. Improved User Experience – Accessible design benefits all users, including those using mobile devices, voice assistants, or low-bandwidth connections.

4. Business and Ethical Advantages – Companies that prioritize accessibility can reach a broader audience, improve customer satisfaction, and demonstrate social responsibility.

How to Improve Digital Accessibility

You can take several steps to make your course and documents more accessible:

Make Courses More Accessible

Use Alternative Text (Alt Text) – Provide descriptive alt text for images so screen readers can convey their content to visually impaired users.

Provide Captions and Transcripts – Add captions to videos and provide transcripts for audio content to support users with hearing impairments.

Maintain Sufficient Color Contrast – Use high-contrast color combinations to help users with visual impairments or color blindness.

Use Descriptive Links – Instead of vague terms like “Click here,” use descriptive text such as “Download the accessibility guide.”

Make Documents More Accessible

Use Headings and Styles Properly – Structure documents with headings (H1, H2, etc.) to improve navigation for screen readers.

Use Clear Fonts and Sizing – Choose readable fonts and ensure text size is adjustable.

Add Alternative Text for Images – Provide descriptions for images in documents.

Ensure Table Accessibility – Use proper table headers and avoid complex layouts that may confuse screen readers.

Use the Ally Course Accessibility Report

Click on the Ally Course Accessibility Report in Canvas to see your course accessibility score. This tool not only shows you your course score, but ways to improve it. The goal is 90%.

By incorporating these accessibility practices, we can create a more inclusive digital environment that benefits everyone. Have more questions? Feel free to reach out to eLearning at elearning@pgcc.edu or search Cornerstone for accessibility webinars.