Day 3: Links
Quick Links
What are hyperlinks and permalinks?
A hyperlink is an electronic link that provides direct access from one location to another. This can be within the same document or between documents.
A permalink is a hyperlink that can be expected to remain unchanged overtime, as long as the document remains available.
Hyperlinks often read as series of letters, numbers and symbols, which makes them unintelligible to the reader. For a hyperlink or permalink to be accessible, it is best to use clear descriptive text to replace the original series of letters, numbers and symbols, so that the hyperlink becomes intelligible to human-beings.
Updated Title II guidance requires that students be able to access all digital content in a course. That means we need to go beyond just pasting a long URL—we need to use clear, descriptive links and ensure that linked materials are actually accessible and stable over time (which is where permalinks come in).
Who benefits from accessible Documents?
How do you create Accessible Links?
Resources on hyperlinks
Now it’s your turn!
Before tomorrow
Today, we invite you to meet Jaz, a student who uses text-to-speech software. When links are labeled “click here” or lead to low-quality PDFs, Jaz can’t access the material independently. That’s frustrating and a real barrier to learning. Accessible links help everyone scan documents more efficiently, whether they’re using assistive tech, skimming for a reading, or reviewing on their phone.
Throughout the Semester
Note on permalinks
If instead of posting a downloaded PDF of a journal article, you share a permalink with your students, you: