Release 3.3.0
This major release introduces several improvements across Tuva’s data tools, Tuva Jr., and the Authoring environment. Key updates include the introduction of the Big Card View in Tuva Jr.’s Play View, enhancements to the Attribute Settings Card for better handling of attributes with fraction and decimal values, and a dynamic Dual Axis toggle that appears only when applicable.
In the Authoring environment, we’ve added more control over Reset and Reload functionalities to provide more flexibility to our partners, allowing authors to hide the Reset button in saved plots and save summary statistics for answer checking during lessons. With a continued focus on accessibility, general improvements ensure smoother navigation and enhanced support for assistive technologies, making the platform more inclusive and user-friendly for all.
Tuva Jr.:
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Big Card Access in Play View:
After students created a graph in the Play View, the ability to access individual Big Cards was restricted, limiting their capacity for in-depth analysis. To enhance student's ability to explore all case attributes, we have now enabled the Big Card View functionality within the Play View.
To use this feature, students can click on the relevant card, and the Big Card will open in the placeholder on the left.
Tuva Data Tools:
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Attribute Settings Card Redesign:
Building on the previous release's redesign of the Attribute Settings Card, we have made additional improvements to further enhance both its readability and usability.
- The Fractions/Decimals controls are now dynamic, adjusting based on the type of attribute selected.
- The Fractions/Decimals controls have been relocated just below the Data Type setting, making them easier to find and improving usability.
- A new Denominator field has been added, allowing users to input integers starting from 1, with an upper limit of 10,000, providing greater flexibility for fraction representation.
- A Simplified Fractions toggle has been introduced, enabling users to choose whether fractions are displayed in their simplified form.
- Additionally, a Proper Fractions toggle has been added, allowing users to toggle between proper and improper fraction formats.
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Dynamic Toggle for Dual Axis:
The Dual Axis toggle in the Plot Settings card now dynamically appears only when applicable graph types, such as scatter plots or line graphs, are being plotted.
This change prevents users from attempting to use the toggle with non-applicable graph types, reducing potential frustration. -
Updated Design & Tooltips:
We have updated the tooltips for the Reset and Reload Plot buttons to help the user make a clear distinction between the functions of the two buttons.
Button Updated Tooltip Clear and Reset Reload Plot
Further, we changed the design of the Reload Plot button to make it more distinct.
Old Design New Design
Enhancements to Authoring:
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Added the Reset Toggle:
Authors can now hide the Reset button in their saved plots using the Clear and Reset toggle under the Global Settings in the authoring environment.
The toggle is on by default. When the user switches it off, the Reset button on the toolbar is hidden.
- Saving Summary Statistics: We have introduced a feature that allows authors to save summary statistics (e.g., slope, intercept values) with the plot state for answer checking in lessons. All summary view data can be stored when needed, allowing parameters to be examined during lesson activities. This data is only saved in authoring mode or during active lessons and is ignored when restoring plots to avoid clutter.
Accessibility:
- Improved Menubar Accessibility: We have updated the top toolbar to improve accessibility. Now, the role has been changed to "menubar," and if a menu item has a dropdown, it will indicate this to assistive technology with a special tag. Additionally, users can navigate between menu items using the left and right arrow keys. If a menu item has a submenu, pressing the right arrow will open it, and pressing the left arrow will close it. When pressing the tab key, focus will move to the next interactive component, making navigation smoother.
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Best Practice for Informational Text & Accessible Labels:
- We updated the ARIA label for the "Add Attribute" button to match the visible label, ensuring the accessible label is the same as what users see, improving clarity for screen reader users.
- For the Formula Documentation and Modeling Documentation, we updated the ARIA labels for better informational clarity:
- Formula Documentation: "Formula Documentation, learn how to write formulas to create new attributes."
- Modeling Documentation: "Modeling Documentation, learn how to create equations that model your data."
- New Tab Notification: We’ve added a feature to let screen readers inform users when a link opens in a new tab. This applies to links like Formula Documentation, Modeling Documentation, and the Help Menu. Screen readers will now say "opens in a new tab" before the user clicks the link, making navigation clearer for those using assistive technology.
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Editing Plot Title:
To ensure clear instructions and interactions, we've added a checkmark for finalizing changes when editing the plot title.
This provides a clear way for users to submit the title after inputting it, improving the overall user experience. -
Histograms Accessibility:
- Info and Relationships: We improved accessibility by grouping the "Histogram Bin Options" and its controls, ensuring that screen readers recognize and announce them together as a single set. This helps users with assistive technology understand the connection between the label and the controls.
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Histogram Axis Scale Radio Button Group:
We improved accessibility by adding the correct structure for the Histogram Axis Scale radio buttons:
- The radio buttons are now inside a group with the proper "radiogroup" role.
- We labeled the group so screen readers can announce it correctly by linking it to the "Histogram Axis Scale" label. This helps users with assistive technologies understand the purpose of the radio buttons and navigate them more easily.