Embedding vs Hyperlinking Research

[debra_mansperge]

I am thinking about leading a seminar entitled "Keeping Students in Canvas."  I want to demonstrate ways to embed content into Canvas pages rather than linking to it.  I think it keeps students more on task, but I don't have any evidence for this.  Do you know of any papers or articles where the authors discuss embedding vs hyperlinking content?  I did a quick google scholar search but didn't find much - and I'm not even sure if I'm using the right search terms.

Please let me know if you have any evidence (aside from anecdotal, of course) why embedding content - or keeping it in one system is better than making students click on a link.  I guess I should ask for any data that doesn't show a difference, too.

I'd also like to know if you would be interested in such a presentation or if you think others might be.

Thanks!

[kmeeusen]

Hi  @debra_mansperge  

I have nothing but anecdotal evidence and my own pedagogical practices that support your premise, but....................  I sure want to see the results of your study once it is completed! I suspect the data will support our position, but I would want to know either way!

I do know that there is considerable evidence that simplified navigation does benefit students, and is an UDL best practice. Can that be extrapolated to include navigation to and from external websites? I think so, but I am going to search and see what I learn, and I will share it with you.

Here's a start, and I know it is simply examining course navigation, but the principles are the same: Improving Course Navigation, Diane Finley, Prince George's Community College.

Kelley

[kflowers]

Hi  @debra_mansperge ‌,

It isn't much, but I did come across something small in an article I used for our Universal Design guide. 

Reyna, Jorge. (2013). The importance of visual design and aesthetics in e-learning. Training & Development Magazine. Vol 40. 

On page 30, under "Presenting information effectively".

If I see anything else, I'll let you know.