Removing Redundant Links
When multiple links lead to the same destination on the same page, they create unnecessary noise. This makes it harder for students to navigate and understand content effectively.
What Are Redundant Links?
- Multiple Links to the Same Destination: If the same link appears multiple times on a single page, it can confuse students using assistive technologies.
- Repeated Links in Close Proximity: Links that are repeated close to one another often add no new value and can be merged or removed.
How to Identify and Remove Redundant Links
Review Your Page for Repetition
Go through your Canvas page or document and look for links that point to the same URL. If the same link is repeated multiple times without a good reason, it may be redundant.
Consolidate Similar Links
If you need to direct users to the same content multiple times, consider whether it is better to consolidate the information and place the link once in a prominent position. For example: Instead of having “Learn more about accessibility here” and “Click here for more information on accessibility” both linking to the same resource, combine them into one: “Learn more about accessibility.”
Remove Close-Repeated Links
If a link to the same place appears multiple times within a short section of content (like within the same paragraph or set of bullet points), remove all but one of these links. Keeping just one link helps declutter the content.
Examples of Non-redundant vs. Redundant Links
- Redundant:
- “For syllabus details, click here.”
- “To access the syllabus, click here.”
- Non-redundant:
- “Access the course syllabus for all details.”
- Redundant:
- “Resource guide” linked three times in a short paragraph.
- Non-redundant:
- Link “Resource guide” once, where it fits best in the context.
Tips for Faculty
- Think About Navigation: Consider how students navigate your page. Repeated links can cause unnecessary stops for those using screen readers.
- Use Links Strategically: Focus on adding links where they will be most useful and avoid overusing them.
What Can I Do Now?
To improve your page’s accessibility, focus on reducing redundant links and enhancing navigation for all students. Here are two effective ways to check for redundant links in Canvas:
- Use the Canvas Accessibility Checker: This tool reviews individual pages for common accessibility issues, including duplicate or redundant links. It highlights link errors directly on the page, making it easy to address them quickly.
- Use the Canvas Link Validator: The Link Validator scans your entire course for broken or problematic links, including those that are redundant. It’s a powerful tool for ensuring all links in your course are necessary and functional. To learn more about how to use the Link Validator, visit How do I validate links in a course?.
By using these tools and consolidating redundant links into a single, strategically placed reference, you can create a more inclusive and navigable course environment. Making this a habit will significantly enhance the experience for all students, especially those using screen readers. Start today to ensure your content is clutter-free and accessible!