Seb
In my implementation of ATutor, I have done both.
I have static html pages (eg.Course Outcomes) that are linked to from within the ATutor content pages.I simply use a BACK button to send them back to the sending ATutor page.
Our system is wrapped in PostNuke via pnATutor, thus allowing seemless access to student lessons, while using PostNuke modules for threaded discussions (that include audio and video), journals (that include audio and video and are readable by only the student and instructor), calendar of events, an ePortfolio, booking synchronous audio-video chat rooms, and receiving realtime tech support (as well as using a ticketing system if the operator can not be reached).
With some wonderful help (thanks to Eileen at TorontoWebHosting), I was finally able (yesterday) to get ATutor to operate totally within PostNuke, doing away with double scrollbar issues.
cheers
larry