Text Formatting

On the first day of this accessibility workout we are going to take a closer look at the importance of text formatting which includes using paragraph styles, list styles and adding descriptive hyperlinks. 

Your workout will show you how to modify the styles in the Rich Content Editor in Canvas for items such as Announcements, Pages, Assignments, Quizzes and Discussion boards/posts. 

Purpose of Text Formatting

Headers are an important organization tool; they help students better understand the main points of each section and allow your students to skim the page.

From an accessibility perspective, headings are an absolute necessity so students using screen readers can navigate through a Content page. WebAim recently conducted a survey investigating the browsing habits of screen reader users Links to an external site.; over 75% reported that they use headings 'always' or 'often' to navigate web pages. When headings are used correctly, they allow individuals to move through the information based on heading topic rather than line-by-line.

The use of headings is also a great way to 'chunk' material into digestible pieces for students and prevents cognitive overload.

Trouble Spots

  1. Phrasing of headings. Choosing headings that are descriptive and make sense to all students requires time and thoughtfulness, but well worth the effort. 
  2. Manually creating headers with formatting features such as: font size, bold, and underline may look nice, but these formatting features don't have the HTML tags that screen readers need to identify them as headers. (e.g., Underlined text usually denotes a hyperlink). Underlining your text may confuse sighted users, who will expect the text to then link them to another page.
  3. Nesting or Semantic Structure. Be sure your headings are in order, H2, H3, H4. Never skip heading levels. 

Heading Tips

  • Keep headings concise: Think of headings as the main ideas and subheadings as the supporting details—short and simplified.

  • Use headings to enhance, not replace: Headings (and subheadings) should supplement the substance of your content, not take the place of your topic sentences.

  • Don't overdo it: Not all paragraphs need a subheading. Only use headings if you have more than one point per heading level.

 

Quality Matters logo

This workout helps meet these QM standards

 

5.2 Learning activities provide opportunities for interaction that support active learning.

6.3 Technologies required in the course are readily obtainable.

8.1 Course navigation facilitates ease of use.