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Evaluation of hypertext in an activity learning environment
Author(s) -
Scherly D.,
Roux L.,
Dillenbourg P.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of computer assisted learning
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.583
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-2729
pISSN - 0266-4909
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2729.2000.00124.x
Subject(s) - hypertext , computer science , hypermedia , reading (process) , human–computer interaction , learning environment , test (biology) , computer assisted instruction , virtual learning environment , multimedia , world wide web , mathematics education , psychology , law , political science , paleontology , biology
This paper presents a study which evaluates the use and efficiency of two computer learning tools for basic virology. The first, VIROLAB , is a simulation of a biology laboratory in which the learner uses virtual lab facilities to help defective viruses to multiply. The system also includes a hypertext that provides learners with some knowledge on virology. The second tool is the hypertext which has been extracted from VIROLAB and which is now considered as an independent learning environment. This study addressed two specific questions: (1) which of the two tools was the most efficient for knowledge acquisition, and (2) were there any differences in the use of the two hypertexts? Comparison of pre‐ and post‐test scores showed that neither of the two learning tools is better than the other. However, analysis of the navigation paths showed that VIROLAB users dissociated the reading of the integrated hypertext from the problem resolution activities. The implications of this finding for the design of the learning environment are discussed.