Title: File Formats
Course: Accessibility (Multiple LMS Version) > Section: Page Breakdown of Lesson

Choosing File Formats

Web Content is Best

Web content, i.e. content that is entered directly into a web page on a learning management system (e.g. Moodle) or cloud-based repository (Google Apps, YouTube, etc.) is the best option for providing content to students. Web content will display on any device, regardless of operating system or software availability, and can be saved for offline access. (Keep in mind that not all accessibility features can be added to Google Docs/Slides, more on this later.) The text editors inside of a LMS convert your content into HTML, which makes it more flexible for any type of device.

Avoid Proprietary or Uncommon Files

Proprietary file types (e.g. Apple iBooks) or uncommon file types (e.g. Publisher) should not be used, as you cannot guarantee that students will have the software necessary to open the files. Even common proprietary formats, such as Microsoft Office, should be avoided, as forcing students to download content is just another opportunity for students to "get lost" or give up if they have to locate the download or find an app that will open the file. We want students to spend their time engaged with content or assessments and not trying to access it.

Keep in mind that Java will not work on mobile devices or Chromebooks, and Flash will not work on many mobile devices.

So...

- Use MP3, MP4, HTML,
- Avoid Java and Flash
- Make content available for offline use (save text as .TXT files or PDF; save pages as HTML files that can be opened in the browser even if offline; use the Moodle Mobile app that allows for downloading)

This page on accessibility created by Jon Fila and Caitlin Cahill for Intermediate District 287 is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.