Review

Definition

Sitebuilder 3 has been designed to create clear concise websites without working knowledge of Hypertext markup language, commonly known as HTML or XHTML. However, there is a need for a clean and clear method of site creation in order to minimize any issues with improper syntax occuring, or worse yet, improper viewing of elements housed within your site.

Web Terminology Defined

In Basic terms, websites are composed of elements known as TAGS noting each section of the pages created, and have names such as HTML, BODY, H1 (for heading one) and TABLE to name a few. For example, A HEADING denotes a title. A BODY denotes a section of copy discussing the issue addressed by the HEADING. An IMAGE denotes a graphic representation of the matter being discussed, and has an embedded description known as an ALT TAG. A LINK refers the viewer to another website or location on current website.

In terms of accessibility, there are tools that help the hearing and visually impaired to  access information others can see and hear. For the visually Impaired, there are screen readers that read the text, and for the hearing impaired, there are captions that cover the information over any heard device. One of the most important tools requires the addition of ALT TAGS to images. Here's a further more concise explanation:

ALT TAGS are: Alternate Text Tags
Which are HTML tags that provide alternative text when non-textual elements, typically images, cannot be displayed.

COMMON ISSUES
ALT Tags are commonly omitted from web pages, from the smallest personal pages to the largest web corporate sites. Adding ALT Tags will:

• provide further detail for an image or the destination of a hyperlinked image.
• enable and enhance access for people with various disabilities.
• provide much-needed information for people who surf the Web with graphics turned off, and people who surf the Web with text-only browsers.
• assist in navigation when a graphics-intensive site is being viewed over a slow connection, enabling site visitors to make navigation choices before graphics are fully rendered.

How to add ALT Tags to your images
There are several ways to add ALT Tags to your images, the simplest way being the file Library or Upload File method offered through Sitebuilder 3. Simply upload your image file, and once uploaded, refer back to it by using the ["Edit/View"] Button

Putting it together

These tools rely heavily on proper coding. A web reader for the visually impaired will look for the order that the page is composed and begin to read te page in that order. For example, it will begin at the top of the Body of the page, then read the elements within, each section housed withing its own table, with proper headings, paragraphs, and images with correct ALT TAGS, all in order.

There are tools that check web pages for proper accessibility. They are simple to use, and we will recommend WAVE to get you started. Of course you are free to use which ever you like, WAVE has only struck us as one of the easier ones to access and use. Quite basically all that's needed is to enter  website address in question into the required window and WAVE will check for accessibility. If your site fails, you will have to report to physical labor at the WAT sandwich making facitlites. There you will do sandwich time, and after a perfect hot ham and cheese sandwich, you will be released to try rebuilding your website. It's for your own good.

Don't worry, if you have no experience with these elements, you won't have to learn it, as long as you bake the Web Action Team cookies or secretly leave us Sodas.