How do I set up a course authoring tool for instructional designers building accessible online modules?

To set up a course authoring tool for instructional designers building accessible online modules, focus on workflow, templates, accessibility checks, and publishing standards. Here’s a practical setup plan.

1) Define the course output standards

Before configuring the tool, decide:

• Target LMS / delivery format: SCORM, xAPI, cmi5, HTML5, or direct web publishing
• Accessibility standard: usually WCAG 2.1 AA or higher
• Device support: desktop, tablet, mobile
• File and media requirements: video captions, audio transcripts, image alt text, keyboard navigation

2) Choose the right authoring tool

Look for a tool that supports:

• Responsive course layouts
• Built-in accessibility features
• Keyboard navigation
• Closed captions / transcript support
• Screen reader-friendly structure
• Template libraries
• Review and collaboration workflows
• Export to your LMS format

Common options include:

• Articulate 360 / Rise + Storyline
• Adobe Captivate
• Lectora
• iSpring
• Elucidat
• DominKnow

3) Build an accessible design system

Create reusable standards so designers don’t start from scratch each time:

• Approved color palette with sufficient contrast
• Accessible font choices and minimum sizes
• Heading hierarchy rules
• Button/link styles
• Image use guidelines
• Standard icon set
• Accessible table and chart patterns

4) Create templates and page structures

Set up master templates for common module types:

• Intro / overview page
• Learning objectives page
• Content page
• Scenario / branching page
• Knowledge check quiz
• Summary page
• Resources / references page

Each template should include:

• Pre-labeled headings
• Placeholder alt text prompts
• Logical reading order
• Keyboard-accessible controls
• Caption/transcript placeholders for media
• Clear navigation patterns

5) Configure accessibility requirements in the tool

Make accessibility part of the production workflow:

• Turn on any accessibility checker
• Require alt text for every image
• Require captions for video and transcripts for audio
• Ensure focus order is correct
• Verify tab order and skip links
• Avoid auto-playing audio/video
• Prevent color-only meaning
• Use text labels for icons and controls

6) Add content creation standards

Give instructional designers a simple content guide:

• Write in plain language
• Use short paragraphs and bullets
• Keep instructions explicit
• Avoid “click here”
• Use descriptive link text
• Break complex topics into small chunks
• Ensure assessments are accessible and unambiguous

7) Set up collaboration and review

Create a review process with roles:

• Instructional designer: builds content
• Accessibility reviewer: checks WCAG compliance
• SME: validates accuracy
• QA tester: tests navigation, layout, and publishing
• LMS admin: validates upload/tracking

Use version control or naming conventions like:

• CourseName_v1.0_IDDraft
• CourseName_v1.1_AccessibilityFix
• CourseName_Final_Approved

8) Test accessibility early and often

Test each module using:

• Keyboard-only navigation
• Screen readers such as NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver
• Color contrast tools
• Mobile/device previews
• Browser accessibility audits
• LMS launch testing

Check:

• Can all content be reached by keyboard?
• Are headings logical?
• Do images have meaningful alt text?
• Are forms and quizzes labeled properly?
• Are videos captioned and transcripts available?
• Does focus move predictably?

9) Publish and package correctly

When exporting:

• Confirm the correct package type for the LMS
• Test SCORM tracking or xAPI statements
• Ensure completion rules work properly
• Verify file size and media loading
• Check that accessibility features survive export

10) Train designers and maintain the system

Provide:

• A short onboarding guide
• Accessibility examples and anti-patterns
• Template usage instructions
• QA checklist
• A support contact for publishing issues

Simple checklist for your setup

• Choose authoring tool and output format
• Define accessibility standard
• Build templates and design system
• Enable accessibility validation
• Create content and QA checklists
• Test with keyboard and screen readers
• Publish and verify in LMS
• Train designers and iterate

If you want, I can also help you with:

1. a recommended tool stack,
2. an accessible course template structure, or
3. a QA checklist for instructional designers.