As an author, you might need to create a task that asks learners to complete a table. In the first instance, we suggest you try to rework the task to avoid using a table (see below). But, if a table cannot be avoided, then you can try one of the options given later in this article.
First, try to avoid using a table
Although tables can be read by screen readers, they are harder to make sense of. Tables can also be a bit problematic for those using mobile devices as there is a lower limit for the amount we can resize tables (e.g. each column has to be at least a couple of words wide). This means people on a mobile often cannot see the whole table on the screen.
We're always happy to help with ideas for reworking tasks, just reach out to us via the in-app chat available to authors. For instance, many of the examples given below could also work by using heading-text layout instead of a left column-right column layout e.g.
Term
Description
Term
Description
etc...
Task options for filling in a table
If you decide that yes, you still really do need to use a table, then you can try one of the options given below.
Example 1: Learners fill in a table of clozes (blanks)
Lastly, you could use a Cloze task where you have "blanks" inserted into the table where learners need to add a response.
The example above uses a Cloze type response, but you could set up something similar using Cloze with drag and drop or Cloze with dropdown.
This approach suits simple tables where the blanks are only 1 or 2 words long (as this is what cloze task types are suited to). When text in clozes is quite long, it will sometimes not wrap and resize properly (especially when marking) so please keep clozes to short phrases only.
Example 2: Learners build their own table in an essay task
You can use an Essay task type and get learners to use the table button to build their own table.
This suits tasks where most of the content will be learner-generated. That is, the table isn't partly complete and learners need to fill in the missing cells.
Example 3: Learners copy-paste into an essay task
You can use an Essay task type and ask learners to copy paste the table then write in their answers.
In contrast to the example above, you might consider using this approach is the table is already partly completed and learners just need to fill in the remaining cells.
Example 4: Learners use an editable pdf
You can create an editable pdf (using for example Adobe, Dochub, Docfly or similar) of the table that learners can fill in and submit in a File upload task.
This suits more complex tables (i.e. those with merged cells or specific formatting) as specific formatting often cannot be reproduced in tasks (by learners or authors) and often don't resize well.
We have suggested a pdf as it's a format that can be opened and read by most devices and software. But as an alternative, you could also provide something like a Google doc which learners make a copy of and then upload.
Our team love to help with solutions for tasks, so if these suggestions aren't working for you, reach out using the in-app chat.