Multimedia and Graphics

i. Choosing Multimedia to enhance course
1. Avoid page elements that flicker.
a. Elements that flicker include:
i. animated gifs
ii. text that has been formatted to blink using the HTML <blink> tag
iii. text that has been formatted to scroll using the HTML <marguee> tag
iv. Macromedia Flash animations
b. Reasons to avoid
i. Elements that flicker between the rate of 2 Hz and 55 Hz may cause seizures in individuals that have photosensitive epilepsy.
ii. Elements that move may be difficult to view for individuals that use screen magnifying techniques.
iii. <blink> and <marguee> are not valid HTML coding. They are also an annoyance to many users.
c. If animations are a necessary component of a web page, avoid or limit flickering. If the element is necessary, provide a method for users to stop the animation.
d. Macromedia Flash is one product that can produce practical animated page elements. Flash MX has functions that allow designers to include accessibility in their design. If you are a Flash user, visit the Macromedia Flash web site to learn more about accessibility.