OSCQR – Standard #22

Flashing and blinking text are avoided.

Review These Explanations

Online course content that flashes or blinks can cause seizures for some learners, and should be purposefully avoided. This includes images as well as text. In addition to possibly causing seizures, flashing and blinking text can distract from and disrupt learning.

The Web Accessibility Guidelines published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) clearly state that if content is unsafe if it flashes more than three times per second. In keeping with accessibility guidelines, and for consideration of all learners, do not include any flashing or blinking text.

Refresh Your Course with These Ideas

General Suggestions

To create highlights or catch attention, use headings, or display fonts.
If something is critical for learners to grasp, or stop and think about, use graphical elements, such as a stop sign, or question mark.

Explore Related Resources

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is developed through the W3C process in cooperation with individuals and organizations around the world, with a goal of proving a single shared standard for web content accessibility that meets the needs of individuals, organizations, and governments internationally.

Share What You Know

OSCQR has been developed by a community of online practitioners interested in quality course design. There are numerous opportunities for community members to offer suggestions, donate resources, and help with future development.

Discuss this standard in the comments section at the bottom of this page.

Contribute your own ideas or refresh resources by filling out the OSCQR Examples Contribution Form.