For educational content specifically, if there is a link within the content, should that link open in a new tab or within the existing tab?
I'm worried a user will not finish the course if a link overwrites the content by opening in the same tab. What have your experiences taught you? What are your best practices regarding this functionality?
Hi Laura! Great question. I personally prefer using the new tab option so learners don't lose their place, but you can check out this discussion here for other perspectives.
As Sarah mentioned, you want external links to open in a new tab.
If the link opens in the same tab, then learners will exit the course when they follow the link. If they don't realize that the link opened in the same tab and then close that window, they have no way to get back to the course except to relaunch the course.
I have always used the new tab option for the above reasons but on a couple occasions I have wondered if it's possible to launch the link in a pop-up or a light box
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Hi Laura! Great question. I personally prefer using the new tab option so learners don't lose their place, but you can check out this discussion here for other perspectives.
As Sarah mentioned, you want external links to open in a new tab.
If the link opens in the same tab, then learners will exit the course when they follow the link. If they don't realize that the link opened in the same tab and then close that window, they have no way to get back to the course except to relaunch the course.
Great point, Karl! 👍
I have always used the new tab option for the above reasons but on a couple occasions I have wondered if it's possible to launch the link in a pop-up or a light box
That's a great idea, Alistair. You can totally use a lightbox slide and put a web object on it that links to a website.
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