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Explorations into hypertext: spatial metaphor considered harmful

Explorations into hypertext: spatial metaphor considered harmful
Explorations into hypertext: spatial metaphor considered harmful
The research reported in this paper is concerned with the exploration of non-linear computer based hypertext to support our existing teaching methods. At present this research is ongoing, but significant progress has been made to make a report of our findings so far worthwhile. Initial research explored a comparison of linear and non-linear CAL.The results were encouraging to suggest further exploration into the non-linear medium. Analysis of the findings led to the proposal that learning styles may represent learners' decisions based upon system image, and therefore an artifact of courseware design. This puts the emphasis on design of hypertext systems to aid the learner in making choices. Given that one of the major disadvantages associated with hypertext is learners reporting that they become disorientated, an investigation into navigational aids was undertaken. The results of this study led us to question the spatial metaphor, and propose a simple, but radical, shift in hypertext design: to concentrate on nodes, rather than links. This will be the focus of future research.
1470-3297
276-294
Stanton, N.A.
351a44ab-09a0-422a-a738-01df1fe0fadd
Stanton, N.A.
351a44ab-09a0-422a-a738-01df1fe0fadd

Stanton, N.A. (1994) Explorations into hypertext: spatial metaphor considered harmful. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 31 (4), 276-294. (doi:10.1080/0954730940310404).

Record type: Article

Abstract

The research reported in this paper is concerned with the exploration of non-linear computer based hypertext to support our existing teaching methods. At present this research is ongoing, but significant progress has been made to make a report of our findings so far worthwhile. Initial research explored a comparison of linear and non-linear CAL.The results were encouraging to suggest further exploration into the non-linear medium. Analysis of the findings led to the proposal that learning styles may represent learners' decisions based upon system image, and therefore an artifact of courseware design. This puts the emphasis on design of hypertext systems to aid the learner in making choices. Given that one of the major disadvantages associated with hypertext is learners reporting that they become disorientated, an investigation into navigational aids was undertaken. The results of this study led us to question the spatial metaphor, and propose a simple, but radical, shift in hypertext design: to concentrate on nodes, rather than links. This will be the focus of future research.

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Published date: November 1994

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 73923
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/73923
ISSN: 1470-3297
PURE UUID: 2bc7088a-d333-4872-90a7-059c24db6244
ORCID for N.A. Stanton: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-8562-3279

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Date deposited: 11 Mar 2010
Last modified: 14 Mar 2024 02:54

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