Scheduled at 10:30am in Denver 1-3 on Monday, November 16.
#42897Speaker(s)
- Terisa ODowd, Instructional Accessibility Designer, Texas Woman's University
Session Details
- Length of Session: 3-hr
- Format: Bring-your-own Device Workshop: Laptop or device with internet access to use AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT or similar)
- Expertise Level: Beginner
- Type of session: Pre-conference
Summary
This hands-on lab guides participants through using AI to create effective alt text for instructional images, assessment content, and complex graphics. Attendees will practice writing, refining, and evaluating AI-generated descriptions, including when to use long descriptions and when to limit alt text to avoid revealing answers.
Abstract
Creating effective alternative text is one of the most essential—and often misunderstood—aspects of digital accessibility. With the rise of artificial intelligence tools, educators now have new opportunities to generate alt text more efficiently. However, these tools also introduce important challenges, including over-description, inaccuracies, and unintended consequences in instructional and assessment contexts.
This hands-on lab provides participants with guided practice using AI to create, evaluate, and refine alt text across a variety of real-world scenarios. Participants will begin by using AI tools to generate alt text for common instructional images, focusing on clarity, accuracy, and alignment with learning objectives. They will then explore more complex situations, including writing alt text for images used in assessments, where overly detailed descriptions may unintentionally reveal answers or compromise academic integrity.
The lab will also address how to handle complex visuals such as infographics and charts, including when to use long descriptions instead of standard alt text. Participants will practice generating long descriptions with AI and learn how to determine whether additional alt text is needed when detailed explanations are provided in surrounding content.
Throughout the session, participants will engage in structured activities, guided prompts, and peer discussion to evaluate AI-generated outputs and improve their effectiveness. Emphasis will be placed on developing practical skills, including writing effective AI prompts, editing AI-generated content, and applying accessibility best practices aligned with WCAG guidelines.
By the end of the session, participants will have a toolkit of strategies for using AI responsibly and effectively to support accessible content creation—without sacrificing instructional intent or assessment integrity.
Keypoints
- AI can generate alt text, but effective prompts and human editing are required for accuracy and clarity.
- AI can generate alt text, but effective prompts and human editing are required for accuracy and clarity.
- Complex visuals require decisions about long descriptions, and not all images need both alt text and extended
Disability Areas
Cognitive/Learning, Vision
Topic Areas
Accessible Course Design, Artificial Intelligence, Faculty Development & Support, Teaching about Accessibility in Curriculum, Uncategorized, Web/Media/App Access
Speaker Bio(s)
Terisa ODowd
Terisa O’Dowd is an Instructional Accessibility Designer at Texas Woman’s University with over 20+ years of experience in education, instructional design, and faculty development. She specializes in digital accessibility, Universal Design for Learning, and scalable faculty training models aligned with WCAG standards. She leads campus-wide accessibility initiatives and has developed innovative programs to support faculty in creating inclusive online learning environments. She frequently speaks at national conferences on accessibility and artificial intelligence in education. Terisa holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas Tech University and is an IAAP-certified professional in Accessibility Core Competencies.