Why are removing iframes in itslearning?

At itslearning, we are committed to creating a platform that is inclusive and accessible to everyone. For historical reasons, our application has used iframes to organize the main menu, course menu, and content areas. However, as part of our ongoing efforts to enhance usability and accessibility, we’ve decided to remove iframes and have started the work.

What is an iframe? 

An iframe (short for "inline frame") is a type of HTML element used to embed one webpage within another. Think of it as a “box” inside a webpage that displays external content. While they can be useful for separating content, iframes can also create barriers to accessibility.

iframes can create significant challenges for some users, including:

• Screen reader compatibility: Assistive technologies, such as screen readers, often struggle to clearly communicate iframe content, making navigation difficult for visually impaired users.
• Challenging keyboard navigation: Moving in and out of iframes can be difficult for users relying on keyboards, leading to frustration or missed content.
• Mobile and responsive Design: iframes don’t always adapt well to different screen sizes or zoom levels, affecting usability on mobile devices and for users with visual impairments.
• Loading: iframes not only create accessibility challenges but can also impact the UX when it comes to the loading speed in the website. Each iframe requires its own HTTP request to load the embedded content, which can slow down the overall page load time.
• Confusing context: Without proper labels, iframes can make it unclear to users what content they are interacting with, causing confusion.
• Simplified Sharing and Bookmarking of Links: With direct URLs, users can easily share and bookmark specific pages or resources, as each page has a unique address. For example, a teacher can share a link with their students and be confident that the link will take them directly to the intended page. Iframes, on the other hand, do not update the browser's address bar, making it difficult to share or save specific locations without additional customization.

By removing iframes, we are simplifying the structure of itslearning and ensuring a smoother, more accessible experience for all users. This change is part of our mission to provide a platform where everyone can learn effectively and efficiently. 

Thank you for your understanding as we continue to improve itslearning for all.