Goodnotes& skeleton notes are totally fine for teaching

They just can’t be the only or primary way students access course content

Think in terms of:

  •  Instructional layer → iPad, handwriting, live annotation (Goodnotes)
  •  Accessible layer → structured, readable, screen-reader-friendly version

As long as the second layer exists and aligns with what’s taught, you’re in good shape.

Learn more about:

What needs to change

What doesn’t meet WCAG 2.1 AA by itself

  • Handwritten-only notes
  • PDFs that are just images of writing
  • Skeleton notes where meaning only emerges through handwriting added in class

These are not accessible on their own because screen readers can’t interpret them

What does work

Skeleton notes as long as:

  • There’s a typed, structured version of the same content
  • Or a fully accessible companion document that matches the lecture

The Best of Both Worlds

“Accessible master + annotated teaching copy”

Before class

  • Create skeleton notes in a structured format (Word/Google Docs/PowerPoint)
    • Style headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.)
    • Bulleted lists
    • Typed equations (not handwritten)
    • Alt-text descriptions for images, diagrams, figures
  • Export to a tagged PDF
    • This becomes the official accessible course document

 

During Class

  • Import that PDF into Goodnotes
    • Write on it
    • Circle things
    • Solve problems live
    • Be as messy/organic as needed for teaching

 

After Class Post BOTH

  • The accessible PDF (required)
  • The annotated Goodnotes PDF (optional, but helpful)

 

This satisfies accessibility requirements without sacrificing instructional style.

  • Students who need accessibility use the first
  • Most students will love the second
 

What counts as an accessible skeleton note?

An accessible skeleton note:

  • Makes sense without handwriting
  • Includes:
    • Topic and learning objectives
    • Key definitions
    • Typed equations
    • Figure placeholders with descriptions
  • Uses structure (headings, lists) not just visual layout

Handwriting should enhance, not complete, the meaning.

 

What is not accessible on its own?

  • Handwritten-only PDFs
  • Notes where meaning exists only after in-class writing
  • Image-based scans of writing

These can still be shared—just not as the sole instructional material

How to make iPad/Goodnotes content accessible:

Create a Master Document in Word/Pages then Export

  • Create the skeleton outline in Word or Pages
  • Add semantic structure (headings, lists)
  • Add alt text to diagrams/figures
    • Every diagram, flow chart, or image in your notes must have a text alternative
  • Coordinate system graphà”Graph showing axes from 0-10 with plotted points”
  • Circuit diagramà”series circuit with resistor R1 and voltage source V”
  • Export to tagged PDF (most export setting include tags
    • If using Word, click “Acrobat” tab on top bar, then “Create PDF” to convert document using Adobe Acrobat. Once file is ready, navigate to “Prepare for Accessibility” on left hand navigation panel. Follow all recommended accessibility changes.
  • Import accessible PDF into Goodnotes to annotate