On 11/21/23, Scholastic launched a variety of new improvements with accessibility at the forefront in an effort to make literature more inclusive and enjoyable for all types of learners. Let's explore how these new features redefine the ways students engage with Bookflix.
Homepage Improvements
Simplifying the navigation back to the homepage
Now to get back to the homepage in Bookflix, users can click the home icon (rather than having the option of clicking the Bookflix logo and home icon). This simplifies the experience for all users, and users using assistive technologies.
Español Toggle Change
We have added more context around the toggle for users to select Español. When the user is in a category (for example, Animals and Nature), and selects Español, all pairs that have Spanish and English options appear.
We have added messages that give users guidance in both English and Spanish, to let them know what they’ll see when they toggle the “Español” button on and off.
Word Match
Feedback with owl and fox for nice work and oops, try again!
The Word match improvements give the student feedback on screen and in the audio, making it more accessible. The animations are a student-friendly addition, too.
For correct answers: the owl animation appears with the text on screen “Nice work!”
For incorrect answers: the fox animation with the text on screen “Oops, try again!”
Keyboard Navigation for Word Match
Users can now use keyboard commands to navigate through this puzzler.
Improved Navigation for Users Using Assistive Technology
Many of the accessibility features will only be apparent to users using assistive technologies. For example, we have made improvements to our heading structure so that the title of a Bookflix pair is announced by the screenreader. There are improvements to “focus states” throughout that just make it easier for screenreader users to tab through the program and find what they’re looking for.
Coming Soon: Revised Alt Text for Images
All significant pieces of art in Bookflix have accompanying alt text for readers who use assistive technologies. Alt text is for meaningful images only, not decorative art. Alt text is specific and helpful. All alt text is under 100 characters.