What Are "Ordered" Lists?

Ordered lists are collections of items that are intended to be read in a particular sequence, or that describe a sequential process, such as steps to follow in a recipe. They may use numbers, letters, or Roman numerals to identify items and indicate their order. Use ordered lists when items need to be read in a specific order to make sense.

Important Points

Create lists to structure content and orient readers.
Ordered lists help students understand processes and instructions
Use Canvas List styles to make accessible lists.

Why Should I Use the "Ordered List" Style in Canvas?

When someone who uses a screen reader comes across an accessible list, they will be alerted to the presence of an ordered list and told the number of items included. This helps orient them to the fact that they are entering a list, and how long it is. As they listen to the list, the item number (or letter) will be read out loud, then the content.

If an ordered list is not properly formatted with the HTML tags that assistive technologies need, these lists are particularly difficult to navigate. Using the Canvas Rich Content Editor is much easier than coding lists with the proper tags. In addition, the RCE's List styles make it quick and easy to generate a numbered (or lettered list), and to edit it afterwards. Canvas automatically re-numbers the items for you as you work.

How Do I Style an Ordered List in Canvas?

Watch this video for a recap of what we've discussed, plus a demonstration. (Instructions are also provided below.)

Tips and Resources

How to Create Ordered Lists in Canvas

In Edit mode, click the three-dots icon to expand the Rich Content Editor bar.
Click the drop-down arrow next to the Ordered/Unordered List options button and select a list style.
Type in your list content as usual.
Click the List Options button again to turn off the feature - or just press the Enter key twice.

Ordered List Options in the Rich Content Editor

Numbers

Apples
Oranges
Pears

Letters

Planes
Trains
Automobiles

Roman numerals

Lions
Tigers
Bears
Oh My

Submit the Challenge

We invite you to submit a Canvas page that has a properly styled ordered list. Submit the URL of the Canvas page to the following submission portal: Accessibility Day Five Challenge.

Prizes for the top 3 participants!

Questions? Contact Kim Saccio at the CTTL.