What is Heading Structure?
A clear heading structure helps all students, especially those using screen readers, navigate your course content more easily. Headings (e.g., Heading 2, Heading 3) create an outline for the page and organize your content into logical sections. Sighted users use headings to see where they are in a document. However, screen readers rely on headings to create a navigable outline that enables users to jump to different sections quickly using their keyboard.
Users can visit WebAIM article library for more information on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) on Headings
Heading Issues
Common heading issues include:
- Using bold or larger font size instead of true headings
- Skipping heading levels (e.g., jumping from Heading 2 to Heading 4)
Tips for editing content in Canvas’s Rich Content Editor:
- Use the "Paragraph" dropdown to apply heading levels
- Maintain a logical hierarchy (e.g., Heading 2 > Heading 3 > Heading 4)
- Note: There is no "H1 – Heading 1" as that is reserved for the title of the page in Canvas.
Canvas Layout Example
Heading 1: Course Syllabus (Page title - automatically set by Canvas)
Heading 2: Weekly Overview
- Heading 3: Learning Objectives
- Heading 3: Readings and Assignments
+ Heading 4: Discussion activities
+ Heading 4: Research paper
Impacted Audience
- Users using screen readers
Summary
- Use true heading styles, not just bolded, larger text
- Keep heading levels in order and avoid skipping heading levels.
- Headings help all users orient themselves and navigate within the document
Additional Resources