What is it?

Consistent navigation is the principle that when building multiple pages or subpages (such as Canvas modules) for students, similar elements should be laid out in a similar fashion. Similarly, consistent identification calls for elements with similar functions to have similar labeling. 

Impact

• Consistent navigation enhances accessibility (operability and understandability) by providing users with clear, predictable pathways to locate the information or resources they need or to navigate a course or materials in a course. This is especially beneficial for users with cognitive limitations, visual disabilities, or motor impairments as it supports ease of navigation and reduces cognitive load.
• Consistent identification can reduce cognitive load on students, making the course easier to navigate and clarifying what actions students are supposed to take (am I supposed to read this, complete this, watch this?). Students with low vision who use a screen reader to navigate a site benefit from consistent identification of functions across a Canvas course or materials in a course, as it makes it easier to navigate for them as well. 

Dos and Don'ts

• Remove any unnecessary items from the Course Navigation Menu in Canvas. Making visible only the items your students need for your courses will help reduce cognitive load and streamline navigation.
• Use Modules to organize course materials in a logical, consistent structure. Modules organize content, allowing students to navigate systematically through unit content. Modules allow faculty to use the lock and requirement function to facilitate systematically through unit activities
• Order Items consistently across your Modules. Maintain a consistent organizational scheme from Module to Module.
• Use indentations and headers in Modules to create a clear hierarchical structure.
• Name your modules consistently to create a predictable learning path. This is especially useful for students with cognitive disabilities, but also creates clarity for all students.
• Be consistent in labeling when using components with the same functionality across a site (e.g. something students have to read or watch or listen to or complete).
  • Often action verbs are useful for this accessibility measure. For instance, if you have files in your modules that are intended for students to read, label each of them Read: Title of document (PDF) (In module 1, you have Read: Social Location (PDF); in module 2, you have Read: Inclusion in the Classroom (PDF)). If you have video, label them Watch. If it’s audio, label them Listen. Others might be Complete, Discuss, etc. The label can be of your choosing but it should be descriptive and consistent.
  • It can be helpful to also include in parentheses the type of digital resource they will be opening. 
    • Watch: You and your learning (Video)
    • Read: Social Location and Teaching (PDF)

How-To

• CAT Resource: Consistent Navigation in Canvas
• CAT Resource: Consistent Navigation in PDFs
• Understanding Consistent Identification

Need More Help?

You can always book a one-on-one consultation, visit one of our ed tech labs, or email cat@temple.edu for additional assistance!