External Link Design Technique to Not Confuse the User Into Accidently Closing the LMS Window.

Im referencing Storyline, but this is more of an instructional design issue. It could apply to Lectora and Captivate as well. I have learned not to make the assumption viewers understand all interactivity. Directions must be clear and simple. This is even more when auto-advance is mixed with interactive pages.

All of the longer classes I create are required Safety training. I use Rise360 for the brief microlearning courses. I use Storyline to meet the requirements of features requested by employees.

I don’t know if there is an easy answer for this. The RESOURCES links in the classes provide various sources of information. Some are external websites such as OSHA standards. Others are printable documents located in the Storyline source file. It does not matter how clear the directions are about what happens to window, it potentially confuses some viewers. An example, a class references a policy. Regardless of whether there is a link from the page or navigated from the RESOURCES link- the viewing page is going to change. The is with the assumption the viewer may not have two monitors. There is always going to be the possibility the viewer will accidently close the course.

The only thing I can visualize as a possible solution is  opening up the link (whether document or external site) in a smaller window on top of the LMS course. This would show there are two separate windows at the same time. Then provide a clear explanation of not closing the LMS after viewing the link.

Is there as way to have a link window open smaller than the course window on top? Does anyone have a way they have addressed this design challenge?