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Publication
Efficacy of a map on search, orientation and access behaviour in a hypermedia system
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Many researchers have proposed hypertext and hypermedia as superior learning environments over tra-ditional linear-based approaches. At the same time, reports of disorientation amongst students working in
these environments has become a topic of major concern. The study reported in this paper sets out to
investigate the e cacy of the provision of maps on students' ability to search, orientation and access
information in a hypertext-based learning task. The domain used required students to learn about the
theory of tectonic plates. The results indicate that the greater use of maps led to less relevant searching
behaviour and less e ective search e ort. In conclusion, it is argued that the concept of the spatial meta-
phor has not served the designers and students of hypertext and hypermedia environments well. Further, it
is proposed that designers of non-linear learning environments would be better served by concentrating on
the fundamental usability of their systems rather than attempting to introduce navigational aids, which
themselves are a symptom of poor design.
Description
Keywords
Hypertext Hypermedia Navigation Maps
Citation
Stanton, Neville; Correia, Ana Paula; Dias, Paulo - Efficacy of a map on search, orientation and access behaviour in a hypermedia system. "Computers & Education" [Em linha]. ISSN 0360-1315. Nº 35 (2000), p. 263-279