The literature on assessing the cognitive processes involved in hypertext comprehension during the last fifteen years has yielded contradictory results. In this paper we explored a possible factor affecting this situation, mainly the potential effects on comprehension of reading strategies in hypertext. In experiment 1, results showed that reading strategies affect selectively the textbase and the situation model level. The number of different nodes read mainly affected the textbase, whereas the reading order influenced the situation model. In experiment 2, the analysis of reading strategies was used in order to replicate the effect of knowledge and coherence (McNamara & Kintsch, 1996) found in the literature on linear text comprehension, but not replicated in hypertext. Low knowledge participants learnt more by following a high coherent reading order, whereas high knowledge learnt more by reading the hypertext in a low coherence order. Finally, we discussed the theoretical and methodological consequences of this approach for the study of hypertext comprehension. Reading Strategies and Hypertext Comprehension Hypertexts are information systems in which the contents are organized in an interrelated network where the nodes are documents and the links are the relations between these documents. Hypertexts constitute a real alternative to paper documents in fields such as education. Research assessing the cognitive processes involved in hypertext comprehension has grown jointly with the development of these systems in educational fields. However, reviews of the literature published up to 1999 showed little reliable evidence about the processes involved in hypertext comprehension (Dillon & Gabbard, 1998; Unz & Hesse, 1999). In this paper we first describe the results found in...

www.ihmc.us This paper contains a description of a network-based, Learning Environment Organizer entitled LEO, which takes its impetus from the Assimilation Theory of meaningful learning [1]. LEO represents a new approach to computer-mediated augmentation of face-to-face, or hybrid courses, and a different approach to distance learning course delivery. LEO provides the learner with a graphical advance organizer for the course, links to instructional content, various completion criteria for topics, and a visual representation of student progress. The organizer is non-linear in the sense that it maps only those prerequisites that are necessary for any given topic, creating many potential paths through the material. LEO is part of a software suite entitled “CmapTools ” that provides a unique method of knowledge modeling or instructional content structuring. LEO can be used to organize CmapTools-type knowledge models or any other online instructional content. This work presents a description of the software’s rationale, basic functionality, look and feel, and a discussion of an example course organizer.

Users of educational hypertext are faced with the challenge of creating meaning both within and between texts. Cohesion is an important factor contributing to whether a reader is able to capture meaning and comprehend text. When readers are required to fill in conceptual gaps in text, comprehension can fail if they do not have sufficient knowledge. Cohesion helps low-knowledge readers to create a more coherent mental representation of the text. However, text that is too cohesive can inhibit active processing, and thus reduce coherence for more knowledgeable readers. Similar patterns have been found for hypertext, which requires readers to create coherence between multiple electronic texts. Domain novices are in greater need of explicit pointers to important links between documents and gain from having less control over system navigation. Domain experts are in less need of scaffolding within the system. We discuss the use of a multimedia reading strategy training program to help low-knowledge readers better understand less cohesive text. Finally, we discuss four principles to guide hypertext development geared toward improving coherence and metacognitive engagement.

Hypermedia proponents suggest that its ability to make information available in a multitude of formats, provide individual control, engage the learner, and cater to various learning styles and needs makes it the harbinger of a new learning revolution. However, despite nearly two decades of research on hypermedia in education, researchers have not yet solved some of the basic issues raised by this technology. In this chapter, we review empirical studies performed since Dillon and Gabbard’s (1998) landmark review in an attempt to analyze and draw conclusions from this diverse and extensive literature.

Web enjoyment has been regarded as a component of system experience. However, there has been little targeted research considering the role of web enjoyment alone in student learning using web-based systems. To address this gap, this study aims to examine the influence of web enjoyment on learning performance and perceptions by controlling system experience as a variable in the study. 74 students participated in the study, using a web-based tutorial covering subject matter in the area of ‘Computation and Algorithms’. Their learning performance was assessed with a Pre-Test and a Post-Test and their leaning perceptions were evaluated with a questionnaire. The results indicated that there are positive relationships between the levels of web enjoyment and perceived usefulness and non-linear navigation for users with similar, significant levels of system experience. The implications of these findings in relation to web-based learning are explored and ways in which the needs of students who report different levels of web enjoyment might be met are discussed.

Prior knowledge is often argued to be an important determinant in hypermedia learning, and may be thought of as including two important elements: domain expertise and system expertise. However, there has been a lack of research considering these issues together. In an attempt to address this shortcoming, this paper presents a study that examines how domain expertise and system expertise influence students ’ learning performance in, and perceptions of, a hypermedia system. The results indicate that participants with lower domain knowledge show a greater improvement in their learning performance than those with higher domain knowledge. Furthermore, those who enjoy using the Web more are likely to have positive perceptions of non-linear interaction. Discussions on how to accommodate the different needs of students with varying levels of prior knowledge are provided based on the results.