FAQs
Instructor perspectives
Q1: Where do we access the Panorama accessibility tool in D2L?
A: You can access it from the PCC Default Navbar, under the “Help” menu. Panorama only shows up in active courses with an end date in the future. If you don’t see it, send a ticket to dlhelp@pcc.edu.
Q2: Why do I see a grey crossed out Panorama Score Icon next to my content?
A: When changes are made to a file this will queue the file for re-scoring. Sometimes this happens quickly, other times it can take several minutes. The grey crossed out Accessibility Score Icon will sometimes show as an intermediary while reprocessing. Check back later and refresh the page.
Q3: What if there is no “Fix Issue” button and the issue description is vague?
A: If no Fix Issue button is present there is likely a “How To Fix” button which will show more information about the issue. If you would additional help contact the Learning Technology Help Desk or book an appointment with an Instructional Technology Specialist.
Q4: Why can’t I see the Panorama symbol on an external link in my Course Information module?
A: Panorama only scans files (html, doc, excel, pdf ) that are stored in your course. Externally hosted files will not be scanned. Panorama also shows up in other places in a D2L course that has an HTML editor, such as Announcements, Discussions, Quizzes, Assignments, etc.
Q5: What does the “Fix Issue” button do in the Accessibility Report?
A: The “Fix Issue” button will allow you to modify the document to correct the flagged Accessibility issue. Often it will prompt you through the changes allowing you to input the necessary information. If not currently editing the content, these changes will be staged in the “Update Document” section. The changes will not be applied permanently to the document until you click “Apply Changes.” When editing a webpage page the changes are applied directly
Q6: I just checked my course, and under “Cumulative Accessibility Score” it only has Overall and Web — no other file types, despite the fact that I have some PDFs and other file types.
A: The “Refresh” link is near the top right of the Course Report page near a timestamp. This will refresh the Course Report without reprocessing any course files. Refresh only affects the Course Report. Reprocessing your course will cue your entire course for re-scoring.
Q7: Files that are embedded within an HTML content page (like a Google Slideshow), will not scanned?
A: Correct, Panorama only scans documents uploaded to the course as well as the pages inside D2L.
Q8: Does the identification of “Major” and “Minor” issues correspond to the green, yellow, and red icons?
A: The icons correspond to the overall accessibility score of the document, green 70% or more, Yellow 30% or more, Red 30% or below. The issue types provide us with weights when generating the accessibility score.
Q9: Is there a student-facing video/tour on the functionality / Alt Formats that we can embed into our course?
A: Yes, here is the student overview for Panorama.
Q10: When I click on that icon it says “Processing this accessibility report”
A: Your reports are generating and should be available in a few minutes.
Q11: I was wondering about the image of the sociology textbook on the sample syllabus. How do you make an image like that accessible?
A: You can make an image accessible in a document by adding an alternative text to describe it. You can learn more from our adding alternative text guide.
Q12: Does Panorama include hidden files in the score for the course?
A: Yes, it scans and scores files that are hidden in the Content area, but not files in the Manage Files area. It does this so you can view and improve files in future weeks, etc.
Q13: Why does the score in Panorama differ from the score in Microsoft Word and other tools?
A: Each tool uses different scoring rubrics that are proprietary to the vendor. Panorama tries it’s best to reflect a score that should match to WCAG guidelines, but it isn’t perfect.
Q14: What if my score is lowered because I have multiple versions of a file available for students?
A: There’s no easy answer to this. We ask that you use your content expertise and context awareness to make judgements. We know a score of 100 is very difficult, especially with all the exceptions that exist.
Student perspectives
Q12: How can I see how my students view my class?
A: Follow the guide to view my course as a student: a way for you to view your course from the student perspective
Q13: How do students actually use Panorama in my class?
A: Follow the guide on how students can view Panorama in your class.
Q14: How can students custom view their Panorama setting?
A: The widget is located at the bottom of the page on the right side of the page. Click on it to activate. Here are more guides available for your students (look for Accessing Website Accessibility Widget part of the page).
