Kansas State University

Microsoft Word accessibility

Below are tips for making Microsoft Word accessible.

1. Use Styles when formatting a document. Avoid using just font sizes and bold text to give the appearance of formatting. Use headings and other actual styles to enable screen readers to interpret the structure of the document.
2. Add alternative descriptions to your images. Right-click on the picture and select Format Picture (Control-click on Macs). Click on the Web tab and enter alternative text in the field provided to describe the image in a meaningful manner.
3. Save Word documents as filtered webpages. HTML documents are inherently more accessible than Word files. Use Save As to select "Web Page, Filtered," to reduce the complexity of the HTML code created.
4. Avoid tables and graphs when possible. Word documents do not create any of the tags necessary for screen readers to interpret the structure and intended flow of tables and graphs. When these features are truly necessary, be sure to include meaningful descriptions and captions.
5. Write with clarity and organization in mind. The document needs to make sense when read aloud. Be aware that the headings and structure of the document may be the only reference points available to navigate through what has been written.

Update to QuickTime 7.3.1 to prevent security exploits

On Dec. 13, Apple released a new version of QuickTime, version 7.3.1, that fixes the security vulnerability reported in last week's InfoTech Tuesday along with two other vulnerabilities. Even though no K-State computer has been compromised by this exploit (that we know of), all K-Staters with QuickTime installed on either Windows or MacOS platforms should update to this latest version as soon as possible since an active exploit exists on the Internet. This is the seventh update to QuickTime since January. Those seven updates fixed 34 different vulnerabilities.

A. Determine which QuickTime version you have in Microsoft Windows.

1. Open the QuickTime player.
2. On the Help menu, click About QuickTime Player...
   (QuickTime in MacOS also has that menu selection.)

B. Install the latest QuickTime version.

• If you have QuickTime configured to automatically check for updates, it will do so when it's first launched and prompt if an update is available. Note: The availability of the 7.3.1 patch may not trigger an update alert, so you may have to manually install it.
• To manually check for updates, open the QuickTime player. On the Help menu, click Update existing software... It will prompt you if an update is available.
• If it says "Your QuickTime software is up to date" even though you know you don't have version 7.3.1, go to www.apple.com/quicktime/download to download and install the latest version.

C. Configure QuickTime player in Windows to automatically check for updates.

1. On the Edit menu, click Preferences.
2. Click QuickTime Preferences and then the Update tab.
3. Make sure the checkbox next to Check for updates automatically is selected. This will help you get future updates as they are released.
   (In MacOS, QuickTime updates are managed along with all other Apple software updates in System Preferences.)

As always, check with your IT support person or the IT Help Desk if you have questions or need assistance.

Copy assignments to a new semester

Instructors who are planning to use the same assigments next semester can copy their assignments into the new semester by doing the following:

1. On the Course Tools page, under Assessment Tools, click Assignments.
2. Click the Preferences link.
3. From the Semester list, select the semester that contains the assignments you want to copy.
4. Click the Save button.
5. On the menu, click the Assignment Listing link.
6. Click the Dates & Status tab.
7. Select the checkboxes next to the assignments you want to copy to your new semester.
8. Click the Copy to another semester link.
9. Choose the semester you want to copy to and then click the Continue button.
10. Click the update link and then type in new available, expiration, and grade-posted dates.
11. Click the Save button in each section of dates you update.

Semester grades in KATS?

When will grades be available in KATS?

Thursday, Dec. 20.

More technology gift-giving ideas

This article rounds out suggestions made by K-State IT staff for technology-related gifts during the holiday season. (Also see "Holiday gift-giving ideas from IT staff", a related article published Nov. 20.)

• Kindle, a new wireless reading device from Amazon. Who wouldn't love to have hundreds of books at their fingertips? Especially with one device that:
  • is an easy-to-carry, 10-ounce portable library
  • has a display similar to paper
  • lets you buy and download a new book in less than a minute
  • lasts up to a week on one battery charge
  • has adjustable font sizing and backlighting
  • has no subscription charges (uses Wi-Fi technology)

• Palm Centro smartphone. "Be bold and buy the red one," said an IT administrator.
• Mobile broadband technology (also known as high-speed Internet access) "seems to be hot this year" said an IT staffer. "If you get a NIC card from AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon, you can have broadband access almost anywhere. A very useful tool. Costs are about $50 a month."
• LaptopTablet is "an innovative idea that could serve as a gift." Use this USB gadget to turn your LCD monitor into a touchscreen that's controlled with a digital pen. See photos and details.
• Parade magazine recently had articles on Gadgets That Work For You and Holiday Gift Guide -- Gadget Guru.