Lesson 15: Understanding Hypermedia

From the educational Technology 1 course the student has already become aware of multimedia or an audio visual package that includes more than the instructional media (means of knowing) such as text, graphics, audio animation and video clip.

Hypermedia is nothing but multimedia, but this time packaged as educational computer software where information is presented and student activities are integrated in a virtual learning environment. Most educational IT applications are hypermedia and these include:

• Tutorial software packages
• Knowledge web pages
• Simulation instructional games
• Learning project management and others

The presentation of information-learning in hypermedia is said to be sequenced in a non-linear manner, meaning that the learner may follow his path of activities thus providing an environment of learner autonomy and thinking skills.

Characteristics of hypermedia applications

There are two important features that are outstanding among other features---that characterize the hypermedia software:

1.              Learner control - This means the learner makes his own decisions on the path, flow or events of instruction. The learner has control on such aspects sequence, page content, media, feedback, etc. that he/she may encounter in the hypermedia learning program.

2.              Learner wide range of navigation routes - the learners controls the sequence and pace of his path depending on his ability and motivation. He has the option to repeat and change speed, if desired.  The learner also has a wide range of navigation routes such as by working on concepts he is already familiar with.

In the use of hypermedia the following instructional events will prove useful to the teacher:

• Get the learner's attention
• Recall prior learning
• Inform learners of lesson objectives
• Introduce the software and its distinctive features
• Guide learning, eliciting performance
• Provide learning feedback
• Asses performance
•  Enhance retention and learning transfer 

Reflection:

• As we all know effective teaching and learning now a days is not just giving students information through visual aids or using chalk and board. Hypermedia which is an audiovisual package is a big help for teachers to make their presentations not just attractive but also easy to understand by the students. Also, teachers can let their students to use hypermedia in their learning activities that can enhance students thinking skills.