Incorporation of Links
Why use Descriptive Links?
Online classes frequently utilize external links to orient students to materials that are relevant to class. Whenever possible, these links should be descriptive text links, rather than copying and pasting a full URL. Not only can including full URLs lead to cognitive overload, but for students who use assistive technology like screen readers, that technology will read out the full link. With descriptive links, the screen reader will read the text you have included and identify that text as a link for the student, so avoid phrases like ‘click here’ when orienting students to links.
How to Use Descriptive Links
To incorporate a descriptive text link, highlight the text you want to link to the external material.
Microsoft Word
In programs like Microsoft Word, simply right click on the text and select ‘hyperlink’ then copy and paste the URL you want the text to link to.
Canvas
In Canvas, when editing an assignment, discussion, etc., highlight the applicable text, select the link icon and choose either external link or course link, then finally copy and paste the URL that you want the text to link to.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) success criteria
Providing descriptive links meets Success Criteria 2.4.4 and 2.4.9.
