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Re: feedback on proposed UD for CMS class - focus on Drupal & Wordpress

for

From: Howard Kramer
Date: Mar 23, 2013 12:08PM

Thanks Brandt. That's very helpful and sensible. You provided lot's for me
and the two proposed instructors to discuss. I may be back for a follow-up
opinion as we move forward.


Regards,
Howard

On Fri, Mar 22, 2013 at 2:25 PM, John E Brandt < <EMAIL REMOVED> > wrote:

> Hi Howard,
>
> When I read your posting, I initially thought that your audience could be
> general CMS (Drupal & WP) users at the higher end of access (editors and
> content developers) as well as site admins and general developers such as
> myself. But then I read the proposed content for the class and saw several
> sections on theming/template development - and that's a whole different
> kettle of fish. I'm, thinking you could have three courses.
>
> I've steered clear of "theming" (I work in Drupal, WordPress and Joomla) as
> it can get very complicated, very quickly and is very specific to the
> specific CMS application. I have taken some open themes and "theme
> generator" like Fusion in Drupal and done some customizing, but this is far
> from actual theme/template development. Add to this the whole new focus on
> adaptive/responsive theming and you've raised the stakes even further. Then
> there is the issue of major changes in the CMS core which often means a
> whole new way of theming. So, I think there could be accessibility
> training
> program just for theme developers. Lord knows, most of the CMS themes out
> there are far from accessible.
>
> Second, there is still the need for accessibility training for developers
> and site admins and this one could focus on modules, plugins and
> extensions,
> knowing how to pick a theme that is accessible and tweak it as needed. You
> could talk about which text editor to use and issues related to the use of
> scripting.
>
> Lastly, since most of the accessibility errors in CMSs come from uses who
> don't add ALT descriptions or know about how to embed URLs, or the proper
> use of headings, or the importance of captioning video.... there is a need
> for a third course to content creators and editors.
>
> Not sure this has been of much help...I think I just increased your work
> load.
>
> ~j
>
> John E. Brandt
> www.jebswebs.com
> <EMAIL REMOVED>
> 207-622-7937
> Augusta, Maine, USA
>
>