Navigate Documents with JAWS
Documents in Blackboard are pieces of content that your instructor has put together for you to access that may take many forms. For example, a document may include introductory text for a lesson, a video of your instructor giving a demonstration, and links to web resources. There are many options for content design, and your instructor has control over how the elements of the Document are presented to you.
Because Documents are customized content built individually by each instructor, there is not distinct pattern for their navigation. You should keep basic wayfinding techniques in JAWS in mind when navigating Documents.
Regions/Landmarks contain grouped elements of a specific nature or type
Insert + Control + R calls the regions/landmarks menu
Headings provide context for the content
Insert + F6 calls the headings menu
Buttons perform actions on the page
Insert + Control + B calls the buttons menu
Navigate up or down to read content
Up or down arrow key
Links recall information or take you to another location
Insert + F7 calls the links menu
Table navigation moves you through cells in a table
Control + Alt + arrow keys
The best practice for a screen reader user is to use headings and the arrow keys to discover content, then act according to what that content is. Some examples include:
If there is a video, select Space to start and stop it.
If there is a table, use table navigation (Control + Alt + arrow keys).
If there is just text under headings, use the down arrow key to read the content.