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Re: Opening Links in New vs. Same Window in Online Courses

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From: Birkir R. Gunnarsson
Date: Feb 20, 2013 8:56AM

When a link points to a document (PDF, Word etc), please provide that
information within the link itself, such as
"Course schedule (PDF)"
That information should suffice, as users know that off-line documents
open in a new Window.
(at least this applies to screen reader users, since they always use
AdobeReader for instance, to view .PDF files).

Personally (and I know I do not have more research to this, not yet) I
also believe that links that clearly point to external resources, such
as social networks should open in a new window/tab (they do most of
the time anyway). I'd say the same for an eLearning-based nline chat
and such. In general I like links that point to an external site to
open in a new window/tab (but of course they should be indicated as
such).

When it comes to links that open up a new page within the site, I'd
generally not expect these to open in a new window, it could get
awfully clutterred very quickly.

When it comes to forms, I have seen things done both ways, but
generally prefer forms to open in the same window, thoughif there is a
confirmation message, a thank you, or some other indication, I have
sometimes seen it opened ina new window (personally I would recommend
using the Page Title element to indicate successful submition of a
form).

The most "personal preference aspect" of this post has to do with
links that open external sites. Time and again I have clicked on a
link to an external site, then closed the window only to realize I
closed the page entirely and have to reopen it, as I always expect
these to open in a new window or tab. Again, may be this is a habit
that I, as a screen reader user, have established, mostly because
links in GMail posts always open in a new tab perhaps.

Feel free to post any opinions on this logic, and I very much want to
conduct further research into this area, or read about research
conducted by others.
-B

On 2/19/13, Subhash Chhetri < <EMAIL REMOVED> > wrote:
> Hi Bryan,
>
> U are right that it is not always possible to open each links within same
> browser.
> And for Screen reader also, it is not always problematic to brows the link
> that opens in new window.
>
> But while making a link that opens in a new window don't forget to attach
> additional information (opens in new window or any meaningful one) to the
> link itself.
> Reason, in some browser, like firefox, screen reader does not give any
> information that link is opening to new window. However, in Internet
> Explorer, when any link is clicked that opens in a new window, screen
> reader
> itself announce "new browser window" along with URL of a new page.
>
> And usability tips addressed by Whitney might be helpful for Sighted user.
>
> Best regards,
> Subhash Chhetri
>
>
>