Lists in Canvas are great from an accessibility standpoint because they provide structured order to content in a linear fashion. Lists are recommended as potential replacements for simple tables, as tables can be more difficult to navigate, and sometimes, we provide info in tables that really would be better suited to lists.
You can use lists inside of lists, or nested lists, just check to make sure they are coded properly. Lists should always be checked to make sure that the list items are really contained within one list, check to make sure that spacing does not break a list into multiple individual points, and use the proper techniques described below to create lists. You should never rely on indentation to provide a visual list, use the proper structure instead.
Bulleted lists are for lists where the order is unimportant
Items that can be used for a bulleted list are for when the order does not matter. The example I like to use is that of grocery items, here is an example:
- Milk
- Bread
- Eggs
Lettered lists are primarily for unordered lists where referring to a specific item may be important.
Numbered lists are for lists where the order is important
Use numbered lists for when order is important. Here is an example:
Directions to Store
- Turn left at Walnut Ave
- Travel for 1 mile
- Turn right at College Street
- Travel for .3 miles
- Turn right into parking lot
Things to consider with Lists in Canvas
- Avoid using non rich content editor symbols like dashes or x’s to indicate a list
- Use the proper numbered or bulleted list for the items
Video Overview of how to apply lists in Canvas
Instructional Guide – How to apply List items in Canvas
Step 1: Ensure you are in edit mode
Step 2: Select the text you would like to make a list
Step 3: Select the type of list to apply from the rich content editor
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