5. Link

What does that mean?

Links in the form of URLs (“https:// …”) should not be inserted into the text. This makes the text confusing, unnecessarily lengthens it and does not reveal exactly what the link leads to.

Furthermore, links to internal or external pages should always be named clearly and unambiguously. This means you should avoid phrases such as: "Click here for more information" – this text fails to specify what information is being referred to or where the link leads. A better option, for example, is “Further information on disadvantage compensation can be found on the XY website”.

Why is it important?

Clear and precise labelling of hyperlinks is very important for improving the accessibility of web pages. If the URL is not replaced by a hyperlink, screen readers and text-to-speech programmes will read out the full URL (starting with "http"). Consequently, it can be very frustrating for screen reader users if the content of the link is unclear and the entire URL is read out instead. This can significantly impair the usability of the document and access to a website.

How can you put this into practice or check it?

To add a link to some text, you can highlight the text. A formatting bar will appear. There you will find a link icon. If you click on this, a blank line will appear in the bar where you can type or paste the link. Once you have pressed Enter, the link will be inserted at the appropriate point.

You can also click on the link icon in the menu bar. There you’ll find further options. You can edit the text to be displayed and specify whether the link should open in the current window or in a new one. 

What does that mean?

Some links do not lead to other websites, but to, for example, email programmes or PDF files. It is particularly important for screen reader users to be aware that clicking on a link may open new programmes. This is because if a new programme opens unnoticed (for example, because the user is visually impaired), the focus will shift to the newly opened programme without the user’s knowledge. However, the person is unaware that the link does not open within the browser. If the link indicates what will happen when it is clicked, the person is prepared for this and can find their bearings more quickly. The same applies to documents or other files that are downloaded when the link is clicked.

Why is it important?

Specifying the format or programme in the link text can help users better understand the content of the link and decide whether or not they wish to click on it.

For users of screen readers and text-to-speech software, it is particularly important to understand the content of the link and the associated context. By specifying the format or programme in the link text, users of screen readers can better recognise that clicking the link will, for example, open another programme and thus a new window, and can prepare themselves accordingly.

How can you put this into practice or check it?

You can enter a precise description for a link either via the menu bar under "Insert" and the "Link" tab, or by clicking directly on the link icon in the menu bar. A window will open in each case, which includes the "Text to display" field. At this point, it is important to provide information about the pages or documents linked to.

An example of how a link can be correctly labelled: "How do I make my Moodle course as accessible as possible (Word)". This information is sufficient to indicate that a document is linked and may need to be downloaded.

What does that mean?

When links in a text or on a web page open in the same window, this means that when a user clicks on a link, the content or destination page of the link is loaded in the current browser window or tab containing the original page. In other words, the original page is replaced by the link’s destination page.

In contrast, links that open in a separate window would cause the destination page to load in a new browser window or tab, whilst the original page remains open.

Please note that links open within the same window. The reason for this is as follows: students who use a screen reader cannot quickly navigate back to the Moodle course by clicking "Back" if the link opens in a new window.

Why is it important?

Screen-reader software, which is used by recipients with visual impairments, can interpret content more effectively and consistently when links open in the same window. This enables smoother navigation and a better understanding of the website’s content.

Preventing pop-up windows or new browser tabs – which can occur when links are opened in a separate window – also minimises potential confusion and helps all users to keep track of their navigation on the website.

How can you put this into practice or check it?

To ensure that the link opens in the same window, select the link. Click on the "Insert/Edit Link" icon in the menu bar. There, you can specify whether the link should open in the current window or in a new one. Select "Current window" and close the menu settings.

If a link is to be opened in a new window after all, there must be a note included in the link. For example: "Information on XY on page XY (new window)".