Apply Proper Headings in Canvas Content

Proper heading structure is essential for accessible content, enabling seamless navigation for students using screen readers and other assistive technologies. Utilizing a clear heading hierarchy ensures content is well-organized and supports universal accessibility.

Quick Links: | Why This Matters | What You Can Do | Instructions |

An effective content structure improves usability and accessibility for all learners, particularly those relying on assistive technologies. Screen readers rely on headings to provide a clear outline of content, making it crucial to maintain a logical hierarchy. Using appropriate headings also helps organize material into digestible sections, enhancing understanding and navigation for everyone. By applying a consistent heading structure in Canvas, instructors can support students of varying abilities while promoting inclusive education.

Why This Matters

The absence of a proper heading structure creates barriers for students relying on screen readers or other assistive technologies. Without an organized hierarchy, assistive tools cannot identify sections or subsections effectively, leading to confusion and reduced comprehension.

• Impact: Affects students with visual impairments, cognitive disabilities, and those with learning differences.
• Consequences: Increases cognitive load, hampers navigation, and makes it harder to locate specific content within materials.

What You Can Do

Using a consistent heading hierarchy resolves these navigation issues and enhances accessibility for all students. A logical progression of headings allows screen readers to interpret content structure effectively and supports the organization of ideas. A consistent heading structure:

• Improves readability and understanding for all learners.
• Enables screen readers to create navigable content outlines.
• Reduces cognitive load by organizing material logically.

Instructions

To structure content with proper headings in Canvas, do the following:

1. From the Canvas dashboard, open your course and navigate to the content page you want to edit.
2. Select Edit to open the Rich Content Editor.
3. Highlight the text you want to format as a heading.
4. From the formatting dropdown menu in the toolbar, choose the appropriate heading level:
   • Heading 2 for main sections.
   • Heading 3 for subsections.
   • Heading 4 for deeper subsections, if necessary.
   
   
5. Verify that heading levels follow a hierarchical order without skipping levels.
6. Select Save to apply the changes.

By following these steps, you can create an accessible, well-structured content experience for all students.