8. Table

What does that mean?

Tables in Moodle should ideally be created using the text editor’s built-in table function, rather than using tab keys, blank lines or custom graphical elements.

When copying tables from other documents, it is important to check the table properties, as they may not comply with the requirements of the current document. By carefully checking and adjusting the table properties, potential formatting issues and barriers that could impair the accessibility and readability of the table can be avoided.

Why is it important?

It is very important to create and check table properties correctly in Moodle. This helps to ensure that tables are accessible and user-friendly. When tables are created using the editor’s settings, formatting conflicts are avoided and the table structure remains consistent. This improves readability and comprehension for all users, including those who use screen readers or rely on other assistive technologies.

Overall, the correct handling of table properties helps to ensure that information in documents can be effectively conveyed to all users.

How can you put this into practice or check it?

The following guide covers how to use the TinyMCE editor in Moodle:

1. When editing or creating content, click on the text field or section where you want the table to appear to open the text editor.
2. In the text editor, you’ll find the "Table" option. Click on it to create a table. A dialogue box will open where you can specify the number of columns and rows you want by adjusting the grid.

What does that mean?

The first row or first column is specifically marked to highlight its special function. In practice, this means that the first row of the table is normally used for headings or descriptions, whilst the first column is reserved for key information or categories. This designation as a "header" serves to make the table accessible and user-friendly.

Why is it important?

It is important that row and column headings in tables are clearly labelled as such. This enables screen reader users to recognise where they are within the table (for orientation).

Incorrect formatting of tables can result in the table’s content and structure being conveyed in a way that is unclear or incomprehensible to screen reader users. For example, if column or row headings are not marked as "header" or "first column", the screen reader cannot interpret the structure of the table correctly and cannot understand the order of the data within the table. As a result, important information may be lost or misunderstood.

If a table’s header row is not repeated on every page, this can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the content.

How can you put this into practice or check it?

If you want to format the first row as column headings, place the cursor in the first row. Then go to "Table", "Row", "Row Properties". There, under "Row type", select "Header row". 

If you want to format the first column as a header for each row, select all the columns you wish to format. Then go to "Table", "Cell", "Cell Properties", and under "Cell Type" select "Header Cell" and under "Range" select "Row".

What does that mean?

Each row should have the same number of columns to ensure that the content can be matched to the correct column heading. If the cells in a table are merged, this can lead to confusion and ambiguity, as readers cannot be sure which column heading the content belongs to.

Why is it important?

When table cells are merged, this can lead to problems, as the information can no longer be matched to the corresponding column headings. Information may be interpreted incorrectly or incompletely, leading to errors or misunderstandings. This is particularly likely to happen when the table is viewed at a larger scale. Users of screen readers and text-to-speech software also face challenges in correctly identifying and interpreting cells when they are merged. To avoid such problems, tables should be formatted in such a way that each cell can be clearly assigned to a specific column and the information is easy to interpret.

How can you put this into practice or check it?

Ensure that each row has the same number of columns so that the content can be matched to the correct column headings. If you need to fit additional information into a cell, you can add new rows or columns. If too much information is included in a table, the table should either be split into several tables or an alternative format should be chosen. In the "Table" menu, under the "Cell" tab, there is a function called "Merge Cells". This function should not be used.

What does that mean?

The aim is to convey to the recipients, quickly and concisely, what each table is about. The title should therefore describe the table’s content clearly and precisely, in order to encourage the recipients to focus on the table and better understand its content.

Why is it important?

Adding a meaningful title to tables is crucial for accessibility. Users with visual impairments who use screen readers benefit from this title, as it conveys the content and context of the table to them without them being able to see the visual representation. Furthermore, a clear title enhances the semantics and understanding of the table for all users, regardless of their individual needs or abilities. This helps to create an inclusive learning environment in which all students can access information on an equal footing.

How can you put this into practice or check it?

Here are the steps for labelling a table in Moodle:

1. Use the text editor in Moodle to create your table by clicking on "Table" and selecting the number of columns and rows.
2. Once you have created your table, click on the table to select it. Then go to the table characteristics. Here you will find the option "Insert caption" or "Caption". Click on it.
3. A field with grey-shaded text reading "Caption" will appear at the bottom of the table. Enter a meaningful title for your table here, one that describes its content and explains its purpose.

What does that mean?

To make them easier to navigate, complex tables should be split into several simpler tables. In Moodle in particular, tables can appear very cluttered. Furthermore, it is generally not easy to find one’s way around large and complex tables. Long blocks of text are not suited to tables.

Why is it important?

A clear structure for tables is essential to ensure that they are accessible to everyone. This is particularly important for users with visual impairments who have the page read aloud to them.

By breaking down complex tables into simpler ones with clear headings and structures, the readability and comprehensibility of the document can be improved. Users with other impairments, such as concentration difficulties or learning difficulties, also benefit from this structuring.

An example of this could be a financial report spreadsheet showing various financial indicators such as turnover, profit and loss. If this spreadsheet is very extensive and contains a great deal of complex information, it may be difficult for some readers to interpret. By splitting it into several tables – for example, one table for turnover, one for profit and one for loss – the information can be presented more clearly and comprehensibly.

How can you put this into practice or check it?

To check tables for complexity, take a close look at them. Are there any tables that contain several rows and several columns of header cells? If so, consider how you can split the information into several simple tables. If necessary, create manageable tables, following the procedure described in Chapter 8.1.