BrightSpace Open In New Tab Extension

Why this extension? The virtual learning environment BrightSpace is used by over 1000 educational institutions and businesses worldwide. However, files on the 'Content' tab such as PDF's and video's are shown using a built-in viewer. Users that would like to switch between several files either find themselves clicking between the various topics on BrightSpace or downloading them first and then opening them in separate tabs. This hinders productivity and is not the best user experience. It would be great if users could easily open such files in new tabs.

What does this extension do? This extension allows the users to open PDF's, Kaltura Media video's (such as lecture recordings), and event text content on BrightSpace in a new Google Chrome tab, by adding a new button on the content pages. Clicking this button will open a new tab containing the content that is currently active.

Does it always work? The extension works with PDF files, Kaltura Media video files and even text-only pages on BrightSpace (see the screenshots and demo video for supported media). It works both for students and course administrators. There are, however, several ways to upload PDF files, videos, and even text. Not all are supported by this extension, but the most common ones are. The 'Open in a new tab' button might still show up on the content pages of such files, but it will not do anything.

For a list of supported institutions, see https://github.com/WesselvanDam/bs-extension/tree/main#supported-institutions

Don't see yours? Place the link that your institution uses in a comment and I will add support as soon as possible.

For the source code of this extension, see https://github.com/WesselvanDam/bs-extension