How do I use headings to organize content?

The proper application of text headings is critical for organizing written content and making content more accessible. This article provides a few examples and tips for using headings appropriately within documents, webpages, and Sakai.

The appearance of headings may vary according to the styling sheet used for a specific program or application. Some programs (such as Google Docs or Microsoft Word) provide a title font, in which case the entire hierarchy shifts, and Heading 1 font may be used to identify page sections. What is most important is that instructors utilize a consistent organizational hierarchy and select headings to match it. The recommended formatting is explained below. For illustrated steps on how to use the Sakai rich-text editor to add headings, see the article, How can I structure my document to make it more accessible?

Title of Page or Document (Heading 1)

Always begin a new page or document by stating the title with Heading 1 font.

First Important Topic for the Page or Document (Heading 2)

Each major category of content should be identified with a heading. In this instance, we are using Heading 2 font to label all of the major sections of this document. Normal font is typically used to style the content that follows a heading.

First Subtopic Within the Important Topic Identified Above (Heading 3)

If your content contains subtopics subsumed under one of your main sections, use Heading 3 styling to identify that subtopic. If possible, avoid using the Heading 4 format to further divide subtopics, however this option is available if needed.

Second Subtopic Within the Important Topic Identified Above (Heading 3)

There may be instances when you want to add a discussion topic, assignment, quiz, video, article, or other piece of content to a Sakai Lessons page. Use a heading formatted as Heading 3 to identify such page content when you post it. Also consider enclosing both the heading and the special content within a section, and change that section’s color scheme in order to draw particular focus to that section.

Second Important Topic for the Page or Document (Heading 2)

When adding headings to your site or document, be sure to select the relevant heading from the drop down menu of styling options in the text editor, rather than using bold font or larger font sizes to mimic a heading. Applying headings correctly creates HTML styling tags that allow assistive devices to properly identify page content.

Use bold text for emphasis as desired and avoid using headings for purposes other than organizing page content.

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