Some disciplines use tables routinely, so learning how to do them correctly is essential. Most instructors use tables routinely to create unit To-Do lists, to provide information about due dates or readings, or to provide a chart for grading. Tables are an ubiquitous part of teaching.
The x and y-axis of a table--usually the top row and the left column, are visual markers that help sighted users navigate, and that provide important context to the information in the respective cells. Just as we need to tag headings so that students using screen readers can more easily scan and navigate a page, we need to tag our tables to assist in navigation and to provide context to the data in the cells.
Denoting a header row and column (when appropriate) are required elements, but there is one more optional element we'd like you to know about, as well. Canvas allows you to include a label or caption with each table. This is a brief descriptive statement that allows the user to quickly assess the content of the table. It's good practice to add a caption as this provides an overview of what the table is about.
Watch CVC-@ONE's Byte sized Canvas about Making Your Tables Accessible:
Well-intentioned instructors often fail to tag the header row or header column in tables, or give an earnest attempt, but use the wrong format. Simply choosing to make the titles in the header row bold will not make the table accessible.
Tagging the header column and row is really important. Imagine trying to navigate a table with the header row and columns missing or hidden!
How to Create a Table with a Labeled Header Row
To insert a table into your content page, select the Table icon from the editing bar. From the drop-down menu, select insert table, and then select the number of cells across and cells down you will need.
Your table template will appear, but it is not yet formatted! You can begin entering your data, and then format the table, or you can format the table and then enter your data.
When you're ready to format, put your cursor in the top left-hand cell, then select the table icon from the editing menu.
First, select Table Properties. When the editing box appears, set the width and height, if you have constraints (though it is okay to leave this blank).
Next, set the cell spacing (the distance between cells), and the cell padding (the white space within the cell between the border and the information in the cell).
Finally, set a border. Though some tables don't need borders, large tables or tables with full cells will need borders to help students keep track of their location within the table.
When you're done setting these properties, select OK. You may want to play around with the padding, spacing, and border until the ratio is right for your information.
Next, tag your header row so the screen reader will be able to identify the header. Highlight the designated table header row, with your cursor still in the upper left corner, select the table icon, and then choose Row > Row Properties from the drop-down menu. For row type, choose Header.
Check Accessibility
The table features in the Canvas Check Accessibility tool are, perhaps, the best feature of this tool. Once your table is in place, you can use the accessibility tool to quickly insert a table caption, and denote your header column and row.
To use the tool:
Insert your table and enter the data into all cells, including the column and row headers
Select the Check Accessibility tool
The accessibility pane will open and prompt you to provide a caption for the table, and denote your column header, and, when appropriate, a row header