Images are a powerful element of a Blackboard course, but they’re only effective when all students can access and understand them. Adding descriptions—sometimes called alt text—ensures that visuals communicate meaning to everyone, including students who rely on screen readers or who benefit from extra context. Blackboard Ally helps identify where descriptions are missing and guides you through the process of adding them.
Why it matters
- Meets WCAG 2.2 requirements and improves access for screen reader users.
- Boosts comprehension, searchability, and resilience when images don’t load.
- Text scales better than images on small screens and high zoom.
Quick fix in Ally
- Select the item’s Accessibility score dial.
- Follow the guided steps and add a concise, contextual description.
- Mark purely decorative images as decorative.
Tip: Avoid using just the file name; include meaningful on-image text.
Get help from the AI Alt Text Assistant
- Auto-generate description: Select Auto-generate description below the textbox. Ally AI analyzes the image and suggests a description.
Note: Learn Original and Moodle users need to save the file in the LMS before the button activates.
- Review & edit: Instructors must verify accuracy. Edit the suggestion or delete it and write your own.
- Apply: Select Add to approve and apply the description.
- Re-run AI: After generation, the button is disabled. Delete the textbox content to re-enable it.
Risks & transparency
- AI may miss nuance (discipline-specific terms, on-image text); human review is required.
- Keep descriptions factual, concise, and aligned to page context.
Review the AI Alt Text Assistant Terms of Use and the feature transparency note in Ally documentation.
Add descriptions in documents/presentations
- Open the original file (download from the course if needed).
- Add alt text in your editor:
- Microsoft® Office: Right-click image → Format Picture → Alt Text → add Description.
- Save and upload the updated file back to the course.