Hyperlinks are a powerful accessibility feature of online learning. They enable tutors to provide alternative routes, alternative explanations and alternative media. They are excellent for supporting differentiation making both simpler and more advanced explanations available to all students, different media preferences - pointing to video, podcast, infographic or text alternatives where available, alternative 'case study' choices supporting students with divergent interests / experiences, and personalised routeways through complex material.

  • Ensure you use adequate colour contrast AND underlining on hyperlink text.
  • Ensure the link is unique and descriptive. For example "Click here for more information on irish destinations".
  • Don't use all caps in links.
  • Provide a text warning in the actual link text if it is going to open in a new window.
  • Provide meaningful text when you provide links to file resources. Information should include file type and size.
  • Use plain, concise, and consistent language for your link text.
  • Don't use the word "link" in the text of your link, instead use some words to describe the destination.
  • Use meaningful alt descriptions, relevant to the destination of your image as a link.
  • Avoid using link text like "Click here", "Download Here", or "Visit this page".
  • Use the name of the page / site in a link text rather than the URL itself.
  • Be sure to find and remove any broken links in your content.

Remember! The way you implement hyperlinks can create benefits or barriers depending on your practice. Hyperlinks are only valuable when you can find them easily, instantly determine whether you want to follow them and know what will happen next.


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