Content design issues in adaptive hyperbooks. (1st September 2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Murray, Tom
• Is Part Of: International journal of learning technology. Volume 1:Number 2(2004)
• Page Start: 203
• Page End: 218
• Publication Date: 2004-09-01
• Subjects: adaptive hypermedia -- hyperbooks -- knowledge-based educational software -- e-books -- web books -- content design; Learning -- Periodicals; Instructional systems -- Periodicals; 371.3
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1477-8386

Abstract

We explore the design issues of adaptive hyperbooks in relation to how using hypermedia technology changes the nature of the traditional book. To address some of these issues we have developed and tested MetaLinks, an authoring tool and web server for adaptive hyperbooks. The system is designed to: 1) support inquiry, exploratory, or curiosity-driven learning in richly interconnected material; 2) support the construction and conceptualisation of content through three "epistemic" forms: narrative, network and hierarchy and 3) ameliorate a number of usability issues: disorientation, cognitive overload, poor narrative flow and poor conceptual flow. These goals are achieved through a number of interface and adaptive features, including "narrative smoothing", "custom depth control", and "thematic links".