Lesson 15

Understanding Hypermedia

     Hypermedia is nothing but multimedia, but this time packaged as an 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;

·      Knowledge webpages;

·      Simulation instructional games; and

·      Learning project management, and others.

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.

2. Learner wide range of navigation routes. For the most part, the learner controls the sequence and pace of his path depending on his/her ability and motivation.

3. Variety of media. Hypermedia includes more than one media (text, graphics, audio, animation and video clip) but does not necessarily use all types of media in one presentation.

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

·         Get the learners’ attention.

·         Recall prior learning.

·         Inform learners of lesson objectives.

·         Introduce the software and its distinctive features

·         Guide learning, eliciting performance.

·         Provide learning feedback.

·         Assess performance.

·         Enhance retention and learning transfer.

The Internet and Education

                The Internet, also simply called the Net is the largest and far-flung network system of all systems. The Internet is not really a network but a loosely organized collection of about 25,000 networks accessed by computers on the planet.

Everything is coordinated in the internet through a standardized protocol called transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). To gain access to the Internet, The computer must be equipped with what is called a Server which has a special software program that uses the Internet protocol.

The great attraction of the Internet is that once the sign-up fees are paid, there are no extra charges. E-mail for example is free regardless of amount use. The vast sea o information now in the Internet is an overwhelming challenge to those who wish to navigate it. The most attractive way to move around the Internet is called browsing. Using a program called the browser, the user can use a mouse to point and click on screen icons to surf the Internet, particularly the World Wide Web, an Internet’s subset of text, images and sounds are linked together to allow users to access data or information needed.

          Educational software materials have also developed both in sophistication and appeal. But the real possibility today is connecting with the world outside homes, classrooms and the Internet cafes. Today schools are gearing up to take advantage of internet access. 

REFLECTION

In this lesson, in educational software the materials are developed its sophistication and appeal to enjoy it more. And today, schools are now gearing up to take advantage in internet access.

APPLICATION

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