Article: Learning in a hypertext environment
Article 3: Reading with digital text – is it about more than access?
Gosse, H., Gunn, H., & Swinkels, L. (2002, March). Learning in a hypertext environment. Web site constructed by Holly Gunn of Halifax Regional School Board. Retrieved September 17, 2007, from
http://www.accesswave.ca/~hgunn/special/papers/hypertxt/index.html
Hypertext is “interlinked pieces of text or other objects stored electronically”. Each piece of information is called a node, module, or topic. Each node is connected to links and this leads to an association of ideas. Hypertext, in essence, is what we use when we surf the World Wide Web.
Some benefits of teaching uses hypertext are:
1. “Association of ideas through links”
2. “Choice of paths for readers”
3. “Immediate access for reference documents”
4. “Movement through browsing”
5. “Focus of thought” is able to shift
6. Constructivism
Most students browse the web. They are familiar with the flow of information and the purpose of embedded links on a web page. An advantage to using hypertext in information delivery is that learning can occur at a student’s own pace. Students can click links to gather more information about a topic or enrich their understanding of a concept.
A drawback to using hyperlink format is the need to read from the computer screen. This type of reading is quite different from traditional reading of a book or written work. Another disadvantage is that students are often overwhelmed with information and do not know where to start when working on the web. I think a teacher could overcome this issue by providing elicit instruction on how to use the web to gather information.
I have had some limited success with Webquests in the past. These activities are high-interest. It is also, in my opinion, easier to find and gather information about concepts by using a series of links on the WWW. The authors also point to an interesting online platform – Storyspace. I want to follow up on this program and see if it has an application in my language arts classes.
Article Summary & Reflection | Comment (1)One Response to “Article: Learning in a hypertext environment”
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“HyperStudio” was certainly ahead of the curve when it came on the market over a decade ago!
A common concern I hear from teachers, and one that I understand the origins of, is that if they don’t understand how or why a student would want to learn in a certain way, using a certain type of technology, then the teacher is not going to employ that method. I recently heard this from an administrator who was reacting to podcasting…because he was not a strong audio processor, he was not going to allow “his teachers” to use podcasting as a teaching or learning tool. The same is true of hyperlinks…many veteran teachers find them disorienting and confusing and can’t imagine how students are engaged by them. It’s very frustrating because these same teachers aren’t taking the time to inform themselves of the educational technology research that is increasingly demonstrating the “how and why” that they don’t currently grasp.
I think WebQuests are wonderful scaffolds for supporting students in becoming proficient at using hyperlinks effectively and purposefully, while at the same time focusing on content and process.
Cynthia