Am I just missing this option somewhere or is this actually left out as an option, and WHY????????
WHY isn't there an option to open in new window for URL module????
by Tina Smith -
Number of replies: 16
I am not happy with the options for the URL module, and end up instead just using the page module, but it seems like I should be able to have the option to open the URL in a new window!!! The closest I can get, it seems is to choose pop-up and choose a biggish pop-up window. But that's really not idea, since I have no idea how big the screens are of my students!
In reply to Tina Smith
Re: WHY isn't there an option to open in new window for URL module????
by Rick Jerz -
For whatever reason, I think the New Window display option is not initially enabled. You can fix this in:
·Plugins|Activity Modules|Manage Activities|URL|Available display options:Add New Windows
In reply to Rick Jerz
Re: WHY isn't there an option to open in new window for URL module????
by Colin Fraser -
Why could there not be a "New Tab" option? mmmmmmm
In reply to Rick Jerz
Re: WHY isn't there an option to open in new window for URL module????
by Dave Emsley -
Thanks Rick.
For anyone, like me, missing the whole location of where to find this:
Site Administration | Plugins |Activity Modules|Manage
Activities|URL|Available display options:Add New Windows
Cheers
Dave
In reply to Tina Smith
Re: WHY isn't there an option to open in new window for URL module????
by Howard Miller -
because it's rude
There's nothing that annoys me more than web sites that open new tabs or windows
In reply to Howard Miller
Re: WHY isn't there an option to open in new window for URL module????
by Mary Cooch -
This is a conversation that has been had on a number of occasions before - and the opposing viewpoint is - non-techie people think it's "rude" to find that when you open a URL and close it with the X - you have lost Moodle altogether. I wonder how much that is the case these days (it certainly used to be) that people don't use the back button to get back to where they were. Maybe those reasons for opening in a new window or tab no longer apply? I don't know - I am just speculating. For years as a teacher/trainer I used to tell people to open up stuff in new windows; now I'm not so sure when I see the frequent use of the back button. Which - I only recently learned - IS ok to use in Moodle.
In reply to Mary Cooch
Re: WHY isn't there an option to open in new window for URL module????
by Howard Miller -
That was always the big argument. The only thing that (almost) everybody understands is the back button, so don't break the back button. Opening a new window (or tab) breaks the back button.
There's one portal site that I use that opens four new tabs between initial sign in and getting to the page I want. It drives me to distraction. It's my browser and my choice what windows I have. Maybe I am just getting old and grumpy
In reply to Howard Miller
Re: WHY isn't there an option to open in new window for URL module????
by Colin Fraser -
I would accept the second option, Howard.... While sometimes, I have to admit, it is annoying, at other times it can be a handy option.
However, just to nark here, that is not the decision of the devs, that is an arbitrary and indifferent option, I suggest. Rather, it is not the course writer, the Teacher, the Course Creator, a Site Policy to allow or deny that to happen?
I have not used it that often for any activity or resource, but there have been times when a new tab has been handy, for a number of course design decisions. (However, I am more likely to bring the materials from an external URL into my course as the site I want to use is quite often blocked to students.)
In reply to Colin Fraser
Re: WHY isn't there an option to open in new window for URL module????
by Przemek Kaszubski -
Isn't it so that modern browser settings auto convert New Windows to New tabs?
I have been enabling the New Window option in the sites I manage. People want this, and so do I. The default is Automatic anyway..
ASAIK there used to be a "rule" to open in the same window links within the site and in new windows (or tabs or popups) links that point out of the site. In my case I use the New Window setting too when I cross link between courses. I prefer this to the popup option, where often I am forced as a user to maximize the window etc.
Example: Gmail links in emails open in new windows (tabs) - stable , predictable behaviour. I find this friendly and helpful.
In reply to Mary Cooch
Re: WHY isn't there an option to open in new window for URL module????
by Floyd Saner -
The rules I use are:
1. If the link branches to a page in the same course or on the same site, open in the same window.
2. If the link branches to an external site, open in a new window/tab.
My reasoning is that when users branch to an external site, there is a good possibility they will follow links on that site and become hopelessly lost in the back button stack.
It is also good practice to note when links open in a new window. This let's users know what is happening, and is crucial for those using screen readers. One discussion on this topic is at UX Movement (opens in a new window).
For online learning, I try to keep users in the course site unless it is not feasible to do so.
Floyd
In reply to Floyd Saner
Re: WHY isn't there an option to open in new window for URL module????
by Przemek Kaszubski -
I do try to add little notes like "Link opens in new window/tab" wherever I can, so both my students and I know what to expect, though appending them to URL resource names is cumbersome and looks rather ugly. I sometimes add siuch notes to URL descriptions and make the descriptions appear on the course page (underneath the URL resource name), but this takes up space. A little tell-tale icon / icon overlay option, nicely aligned, could be a nice feature, but it's not a critical thing, so I am not going to request it
In reply to Howard Miller
Re: WHY isn't there an option to open in new window for URL module????
by Tina Smith -
I don't see anything rude about it. *I* find it incredibly irritating to have links that take me to another site NOT open in a new tab or window! Especially if it's going to then be something that I will be clicking into the site and the back button will not be an option because I'd have to hit it 10 times to get all the way back to the page I started from.
I KNOW I can use ctrl click to open the link in a new window myself, and I usually do...but it's just easier to have it open for me automatically in a new window. Plus there's a LOT of non-techie people that don't know about this, and then we've lost them to another site and they may not find their way back.
I know it's a matter of preference, but it's also just an easy way to help the non-techies.
In reply to Tina Smith
Re: WHY isn't there an option to open in new window for URL module????
by ryan sanders -
personally, i hate pop up windows, i hate new tabs being opened up for me, and i hate even more new windows opened up for me.
i tend to "right click" and then click "new tab" new tab option is right there by cursor when ya right click. (fast and easy)
i also hate getting taken to a page, that states you are being taken to a third party website.
i also hate dealing with cookie notification.
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BUT... as soon as i turn a non techie onto the system... it is a completely different story. and need for detailed information of what is happening and why.
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prefer a user option that overrides any other settings within moodle. for opening new tab / new window / stay in current page / open in iframe / open in pop up window.
limiting person ability *frowns* trying to make a decision for a person *frowns* there are some settings already in majority of modern browser that determine how links are opened up.
if anything give a note: to suggest opening up in new window / tab. with URL pointing to were it can be changed per user preferences. and option to show/hide given option notice and do things automatically.
In reply to ryan sanders
Re: WHY isn't there an option to open in new window for URL module????
by Przemek Kaszubski -
@Ryan : I agree; however, for me the teacher deciding how resources should open is a part of course design. Cf. decisions to either present sth in a Page or paginated Book,
Having said that, I think teachers / designers should verify how such designs behave on mobile devices.
And listen to students' feedback.
In reply to Tina Smith
Re: WHY isn't there an option to open in new window for URL module????
by Douglas Broad -
Tina,
Rick proposed a solution for you. At our college, the appearance option settings have the same display options as for any other resource. Perhaps you need to ask your local administrator to make the change Rick proposed. (I agree with having the display option available).
In reply to Douglas Broad
Re: WHY isn't there an option to open in new window for URL module????
by Tina Smith -
Woops! Sorry! I did see that and I forgot to respond! That fixed it, thank you!! What an easy fix!! I love it!!
In reply to Tina Smith
Re: WHY isn't there an option to open in new window for URL module????
by Rick Jerz -
I've enjoyed reading everyone's comments about their own preferences to whether or not to open a link in a new windows.
First, I think the good news is that Moodle can accommodate a great variety of preferences, probably better at this than other Learning Management Systems. So the instructor can choose what they desire.
Personally, I like new windows (or tabs) because it leaves the original page where I left it, so it is easy to go back and forth. Most browsers have a shortcut keystroke to close windows. So, for example, in Safari, if I want to close the new tab quickly I just do command-w. I can also navigate between new windows with command-~.