Why it's important:

It allows an individual to easily navigate through content without the use of a mouse, or using a screen reader.

How to do it:

Headings are available in any content item in Canvas.

Canvas

In the Rich Content Editor, click on Paragraph to reveal a variety of headings to choose from. "Header 1" is not available, as Canvas uses it for the "Title" of the page or document you're creating. Only ONE "Header 1" is to be used per page. "Paragraph" is typically used for general narrative.

Using Paragraph drop-down styles in Canvas

You can use the same formatting capability in Microsoft Word when producing Word, PDF, or Google Documents.

Microsoft

In Microsoft Word, click on Styles in the tool ribbon to change your header. There should only be ONE "Title" on your page. The rest of your sections can be broken down into Heading 1, Heading 2, etc. in order of importance.

Using Paragraph Styles in Microsoft Word

Google

In Google Docs, click on Normal Text in the toolbar to expand the heading styles menu.

Using Paragraph drop-down styles in Google Docs

More Examples

Paragraph Styles - Examples (Headings)