Staring at an image and not sure how to describe it for someone who can’t see it? AI can be a great starting point. Tools like Copilot and ChatGPT can quickly generate draft alt text if you paste in the image or describe what it shows. This can be especially helpful for charts, diagrams, or complex visuals—AI is good at turning visual details into plain language so you’re not starting from a blank box.
That said, AI doesn’t know your teaching goals—or what context the image is situated in. Always review and revise AI-generated alt text before posting it. Ask yourself: Does this description support what I want students to learn? Does it avoid unnecessary detail and focus on what’s instructionally important? Think of AI as a co-author: it can draft, but you’re the editor. A quick human check ensures your alt text is accurate, meaningful, and genuinely accessible.
One-sentence check: If I read this aloud to a student who can’t see the image, would it give them the same understanding I expect from everyone else?
Some AI Alt text tools:
- World Campus Image Description Specialist
- Arizona State’s Image Accessibility Creator