Alt-text Practice Lab

A simple page to practice writing and testing alt attributes.

Mode 1 (2 player)

This is an activity meant to play out with a partner. Sit facing each other so that you cannot see each others' screens, and have your notebook available. For each round, one of you will play the Computer, and the other will play the User.

  • Computer: Select (in your mind) one of the images below, and compose approprate alt text for that image. Write that in the alt field below. When you are ready, read that aloud to your User without showing them any of the images.
  • User: Listen to the computer's alt text and imagine what that image looks like.
  • Computer: Turn your screen around, and ask the User to pick which image your alt text described. Did they get it right? Discuss options for improving that alt text and alt text possibilities for other images.

Swap places and repeat, taking turns for a few rounds, making sure to refresh the page.


Mode 2 (3 player)

For this mode, you'll need a group of three. A Computer, a User and a Client. Only the Computer should be able to see their screen.

  • Computer: Select (in your mind) one of the images below, and compose appropriate alt text for that image. Write that in the alt field below. When you are ready, write that alt text on an index card and give that to your Client. Do not show the original image to eiter your Client or User.
  • Client: Read the provided alt text and do your best to sketch the image on the the other side of the card. Show that sketch to the User.
  • Computer: Turn your screen around, and ask the User to pick which image your alt text described. Did they get it right? Discuss options for improving that alt text and alt text possibilities for other images.

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