An Easy to Use Tool for Augmenting multimedia Lectures with Accessible Self-assessment Exercises

eTEACH is an authoring tool for creating online streaming-video multi-media lectures viewed in a Web-browser. Using eTEACH to provide out-of-class lectures allows faculty to engage students in active learning and problem-solving activities in class; with measured benefits. We report on two significant enhancements to eTEACH that further define it as a learning tool. First, we have added a self-assessment quiz feature that focuses the student on the content and indicates the level of competence with the material that he/she is expected to attain after having viewed the presentation. By asking questions related to the presentation and providing answers to those questions as part of the presentation, the student is more actively engaged. Quizzes are constructed using a Microsoft Word template and MathType plug-in. Second, we have a strong commitment to supporting students with disabilities, including blind students. The MathType plug-in produces mathematical formulas in MathML which the authoring tool uses to produce content that is easily navigated by screen-reading software