Moodle vs Canvas | Which LMS Is More Accessible?
Education technology has seen a major shift toward online learning in recent years, making learning management systems (LMS) a key tool for schools and businesses. For students with disabilities, the accessibility of these platforms directly impacts their learning success. This article compares two popular LMS platforms-Moodle and Canvas-examining their accessibility features, strengths, and limitations to help you choose the right platform for all users.
Both Moodle and Canvas claim strong accessibility features, but how do they actually perform for users with disabilities? We’ll examine their compliance with accessibility standards, quiz design features, video player controls, and navigation options to determine which platform offers better accessibility support.
Accessibility Standards and Documentation
Moodle’s Accessibility Compliance
Moodle has worked to ensure its platform meets international accessibility standards. According to the Moodle documentation, “Moodle LMS 4.2 has achieved WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility compliance”. This certification represents a significant commitment to accessibility, as WCAG 2.1 AA is the current industry standard that many organizations must follow.
Moodle follows several key accessibility frameworks:
- WCAG 2.1 guidelines for web content
- ATAG 2.0 guidelines for authoring tools
- ARIA 1.1 recommendations for dynamic content
- Section 508 compliance for US government agencies
- European Accessibility Act compliance
Moodle’s approach recognizes that “accessibility is not a state, it is a process of continuous improvement in response to our users and the wider technical environment”. This philosophy acknowledges that perfect accessibility is an ongoing journey rather than a fixed achievement.
Canvas’s Accessibility Documentation
Canvas similarly prioritizes accessibility compliance. Their platform “was built using the most modern HTML and CSS technologies, and is committed to W3C’s Web Accessibility Initiative and Section 508 guidelines”. Canvas provides a Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT), which helps administrators evaluate the platform’s conformance to accessibility standards.
Canvas has been independently evaluated for accessibility: “WebAIM, an independent authority in web accessibility, has evaluated the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) by Instructure and certifies it to be substantially conformant with Level A and Level AA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1”. The evaluation notes that while not fully conformant, Canvas addresses significant barriers for users with disabilities.
Testing for Screen Readers
Both platforms approach screen reader testing differently:
Moodle doesn’t explicitly document which screen reader and browser combinations they test, though they work with the Moodle Accessibility Collaboration Group to address accessibility issues.
Canvas documents specific testing combinations: “Each Canvas feature and release is manually tested with the following screen reader and browser combinations: JAWS (latest version for Chrome/Firefox on Windows), NVDA (latest version for Chrome/Firefox on Windows), VoiceOver (latest version for Safari/Chrome on Macintosh and iOS mobile), Talkback (latest version for Android mobile)”. This transparent approach helps users understand which assistive technology works best with Canvas.
Quiz Design Accessibility
Alt Text for Quiz Images in Moodle
Alt text is crucial for making images accessible to screen reader users. In Moodle, developers have added functionality to include alt text for quiz images. According to a forum post, “We’ve added an input field for all question types, that allows an alt tag to be specified for the question image. This allows, for example, copyright information about the image to be entered”. This feature helps make quiz content more accessible to students using screen readers.
Moodle’s documentation also explains effective quiz practices, noting that the “Moodle quiz engine is a powerful, flexible tool for monitoring and diagnosing student performance”. When designed well, quizzes can provide valuable assessment opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities.
Alt Text for Quiz Images in Canvas
Canvas users have reported challenges with checking alt text in quizzes. One user asked, “I am looking at a quiz created in New Quizzes. There is an image embedded in the stimulus content. How do I find out what (if any) alt text is provided for that image?”. The response suggested using developer tools as a workaround: “If you are just checking for accessibility, you might be interested in turning on the developer tools if you use Chrome…This is a great little tool that will tell you the accessibility of elements”.
For adding alt text to images in Canvas, the platform provides a structured process:
- Click on the Page, Discussion, Quiz question or Assignment
- Click Edit
- Click on the image
- Click Image Options
- Type the description in the Alt Text box
- Click Done and Save
Accessibility Checkers
Both platforms offer tools to verify content accessibility:
Moodle’s text editor includes an accessibility checker that scans for:
- Images with missing or empty alt text
- Contrast of font color and background color
- Long blocks of text without headings
- Tables without captions
- Tables with merged cells
- Tables without headers
Canvas similarly includes “a built-in Accessibility Checker within the Rich Content Editor that prompts users of WCAG A/AA success criterion errors”. These tools help content creators identify and fix accessibility issues before publishing materials to students.
Video Player Controls and Captions
Caption Support in Moodle
Video captions are essential for deaf and hard-of-hearing users, and beneficial for many others. Moodle allows teachers to upload caption files with their videos. According to a forum discussion, “Moodle allows teachers to upload their caption files along with their videos. However, Moodle doesn’t do ‘auto-generated’ captions, so the instructor must create the .VTT captions file on their own”.
For automated captioning, some Moodle users integrate with third-party tools like Poodll: “Moodle allows you to create subtitles and closed captions automatically. While these tools are generally accurate, the Web Accessibility Initiative emphasizes the importance of verifying and editing automated captions”. This integration helps streamline the captioning process while still ensuring accuracy.
Caption Support in Canvas
Canvas Studio provides built-in support for captions and offers keyboard shortcuts for controlling captioned videos. The platform allows users to toggle captions on/off using keyboard navigation:
- Up arrow: If there are captions, and focus is on the On option, turn captions off
- Down arrow: If there are captions, and focus is on the Off button, turn captions on
These controls make it easier for keyboard-only users to manage caption display according to their needs.
Video Playback Speed Controls
Speed adjustment is important for users with cognitive disabilities or non-native speakers who may benefit from slower playback.
For Moodle, users have expressed interest in playback rate controls. One user noted, “I intend to embed a number of videos in my classes, however I don’t think everyone wants to listen to me talking slowly. How can students increase the video playback speed to 1.5x or 2.x?”. A related discussion mentioned adding playback rates for VideoJS in Moodle, with a tracker ticket created for this feature.
Canvas Studio’s media player includes built-in keyboard shortcuts for speed control:
- Up arrow: Pick the next higher speed
- Down arrow: Pick the next lower speed
- Space: Open speed menu
- Enter: Open speed menu
These shortcuts make adjusting playback speed more accessible for keyboard users.
Video Player Navigation
Canvas Studio provides extensive keyboard shortcuts for video navigation:
- Left arrow: Seek back 5 seconds
- Right arrow: Seek forward 5 seconds
- Space/Enter: Toggle play/pause
- F: Toggle full screen
- M: Toggle mute
These shortcuts create a more accessible experience for keyboard-only users and those with motor disabilities.
Moodle users have requested similar features. A forum discussion asked about adding controls to “jump back and forth some seconds (i.e. back 10”, forward 30”)”, indicating user demand for accessible video navigation.
Gradebook and Instructor Tools Accessibility
Keyboard Shortcuts for Instructors in Canvas
Canvas offers SpeedGrader keyboard shortcuts that help instructors grade efficiently without relying on a mouse:
These shortcuts significantly improve the efficiency and accessibility of the grading process for instructors with disabilities or those who prefer keyboard navigation.
Keyboard Navigation in Moodle
Moodle has implemented keyboard bindings for navigation throughout the platform. These include:
- j: move cursor down one course module
- k: move cursor up one course module
- J: jump cursor down to next course section
- K: jump cursor up to next course section
- Return: select course module
For course editing, additional shortcuts exist:
- h: indent course module left
- l: indent course module right
- e: edit course module
- E: edit course section
These keyboard shortcuts help users with motor disabilities or keyboard-only users navigate the platform more efficiently.
User Interface Accessibility Features
Screen Reader Helpers
Moodle includes a specific “Screenreader helper” tool that “provides additional information about the currently selected text (e.g. is it bold), as well as a listing of any images or links in the text”. This feature helps screen reader users understand formatting and content structure that might otherwise be difficult to perceive.
Canvas focuses on ensuring its platform works with popular screen reader combinations. Their testing includes “JAWS (latest version for Chrome/Firefox on Windows), NVDA (latest version for Chrome/Firefox on Windows), VoiceOver (latest version for Safari/Chrome on Macintosh and iOS mobile), Talkback (latest version for Android mobile)”. This testing helps ensure screen reader users can effectively navigate the platform.
Customization Options
Accessibility often includes the ability to customize the interface to meet individual needs. Moodle references “The Accessibility block” which “is a Moodle additional plugin that provides options for changing text size and colour scheme. Settings can be saved to persist between sessions”. This customization helps users with visual impairments adjust the interface to their needs.
Canvas documentation doesn’t specifically mention built-in customization options, though as a web-based platform, it likely works with browser-based customization tools.
Accessibility Development Approaches
Moodle’s Development Philosophy
Moodle’s approach to accessibility development is collaborative and ongoing. Their documentation states: “Moodle core developers spend a lot of time making sure new developments are accessible. Part of the process when building new code in Moodle is to follow established best practices and part of the process for accepting new code into core is to test pages carefully and gather feedback from experts”.
The platform also works with “the Moodle Accessibility Collaboration Group mailing list” to carry out accessibility work. This collaborative approach helps identify and address accessibility issues across the complex system.
Canvas’s Development Philosophy
Canvas similarly prioritizes accessibility in development: “Instructure is committed to ensuring its products are inclusive and meet the diverse accessibility needs of our users… Regular testing (both internal and by a third party) is conducted to identify conformance issues, with processes in place for timely remediation of accessibility issues that are identified”.
Their approach includes “regular testing using automated tools, assistive technology (such as screen readers, keyboard testing, etc.), and coding best practices. Third party accessibility evaluation occurs regularly with internal audits conducted with each release”. This structured approach helps maintain accessibility throughout development.
Built-in Accessibility Tools
Moodle’s Accessibility Tools
Moodle includes several built-in tools to enhance accessibility:
- Text editor accessibility checker that scans for common issues like missing alt text and poor contrast
- Screenreader helper that provides additional information about selected text
- Brickfield Accessibility Starter Toolkit which “assists teachers in building accessible course content by checking the course for common accessibility concerns and provides detailed reports on issues found”
These tools help both content creators and users ensure materials are accessible.
Canvas’s Accessibility Tools
Canvas similarly includes built-in accessibility features:
- Accessibility Checker within the Rich Content Editor that “prompts users of WCAG A/AA success criterion errors”
- Keyboard shortcuts for navigation and media playback
- Compatible design for screen readers and assistive technologies
These features help make Canvas more accessible to a wide range of users.
Mobile Accessibility
Both platforms offer mobile experiences, which introduce additional accessibility considerations.
Moodle documentation indicates screen reader testing for mobile platforms, and Canvas explicitly mentions testing with “VoiceOver (latest version for Safari/Chrome on Macintosh and iOS mobile), Talkback (latest version for Android mobile)”. This testing helps ensure mobile users with disabilities can access course content effectively.
Third-Party Integration Capabilities
The ability to integrate with specialized accessibility tools can enhance the overall accessibility of an LMS.
Moodle references several accessibility-related additional plugins, including “The Accessibility block” and integration with “ATbar from Southampton University ECS”. They also mention Poodll for automated captioning.
Canvas documentation doesn’t specifically mention third-party accessibility integrations in the provided search results, though their platform does support various integrations.
Making Your LMS More Accessible
Regardless of which platform you choose, there are steps you can take to enhance accessibility:
Creating Accessible Course Content
- Always add alt text to images
- Provide captions for videos
- Use proper heading structure
- Ensure sufficient color contrast
- Provide accessible document formats
Testing Your Course Accessibility
- Use the built-in accessibility checkers
- Test with keyboard-only navigation
- Review content with screen readers
- Get feedback from users with disabilities
Which LMS Is More Accessible?
After reviewing the accessibility features of both Moodle and Canvas, it’s clear that both platforms have made significant efforts to support users with disabilities. Each has strengths in different areas:
Moodle Accessibility Strengths
- WCAG 2.1 AA certified compliance
- Well-documented keyboard navigation shortcuts
- Built-in accessibility checker and screenreader helper
- Brickfield Accessibility Toolkit integration
- Strong support for third-party accessibility plugins
Canvas Accessibility Strengths
- Documented screen reader and browser testing combinations
- Extensive keyboard shortcuts for SpeedGrader
- Comprehensive media player shortcuts
- Well-documented process for adding alt text
- Independent accessibility evaluation by WebAIM
Considerations for Your Choice
When deciding between Moodle and Canvas for accessibility, consider:
- Your specific user needs: Which disabilities are most common among your users?
- Technical resources: Moodle may require more technical expertise to implement and maintain accessibility features.
- Content creation workflows: Consider how your team creates content and which platform better supports accessible content creation.
- Testing capabilities: Which platform allows you to better test and verify accessibility?
- Integration requirements: Which third-party tools do you need to integrate with your LMS?
Using Automated Tools for Quick Insights (Accessibility-Test.org Scanner)
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Final Thoughts
Both Moodle and Canvas demonstrate strong commitment to accessibility, with each platform offering features that support users with various disabilities. Moodle provides extensive customization options and third-party plugin support, while Canvas offers well-documented screen reader compatibility and comprehensive keyboard shortcuts.
The “most accessible” platform depends on your specific needs, user base, and technical resources. Rather than declaring one platform superior, we recommend evaluating both against your specific accessibility requirements.
No LMS is perfectly accessible out-of-the-box. Regardless of which platform you choose, creating truly accessible courses requires ongoing attention to content creation, testing with assistive technologies, and gathering feedback from users with disabilities.
By understanding the accessibility features and limitations of Moodle and Canvas, you can make an informed decision that best serves all your users, ensuring education remains accessible to everyone regardless of ability.
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