Microsoft Boosts OneNote Accessibility, Offers Free Accessibility Training Course for Educators

Microsoft has unveiled new accessibility features for OneNote, the company's collaborative note-taking app for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.

According to the company, the update provides a new design that's focused on ease of use for all learners, with particular emphasis on features for those with mobility impairments and for those who use screen readers. That includes a simplified navigation structure and added consistency across platforms, as well as improved keyboard shortcuts.

OneNote accessibility updates 

"With the goal of making usage of OneNote within the classroom more accessible and accommodating for students with varying learning styles and abilities, the OneNote team embarked on a year-long journey listening to teachers and incorporating feedback to help inform the redesign of OneNote's user interface," according to information released by Microsoft. "The OneNote redesign brings consistency across apps, improves usability for those with vision and mobility impairments, and simplifies navigation controls."

Microsoft is also offering a new accessibility training course for educators on the use of Office 365. The course is designed to train teachers — especially special ed teachers, though it's open to all — in the creation of accessible documents, revision of older documents to make them accessible and use of Office tools like Skype Translator and Office Lens for accessibility.

The course is free for educators, administrators, parents and students.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


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