Understandable: WCAG Principle #3
“Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable.”
Use Consistent Organization and Vocabulary
“Make web pages appear and operate in predictable ways.”
When content, interactions, elements, or assignments are repeated, it is important to keep the structure as consistent and predictable as possible. Consistent and predictable page structure can aid students with low vision or cognitive and attention limitations in locating information quickly, especially if it needs to be accessed repeatedly. For all users, including those using assistive technology, being able to consistently identify the purpose of page elements is vital. An icon or call-out box signaling one meaning on one page should mean the same thing if used on another page.
Provide Cues
“Help users avoid and correct mistakes.”
Instructions or labels are important for any academic assignment as well as all online interactions. An empty text box does not indicate the purpose or expected behavior from the student, so including a label for input fields alerts users to what information is required therein, and in which format. Student input most often comes in the context of quizzes, discussion boards, and assignments. Instructions for any course element requiring student input should be clear and concise, but complete.