Empirical studies that focus on the impact of three-dimensional (3D) visualizations on learning are to date rare and inconsistent. According to the ability-as-enhancer hypothesis, high spatial ability learners should benefit particularly as they have enough cognitive capacity left for mental model construction. In contrast, the…

Discusses collaborative authoring, computer-supported collaborative work and the reuse of multimedia courseware; describes a consolidated model, Open Systems for the Collaborative Authoring and Reuse (OSCAR) of courseware, that was drawn from other abstract models; and examines hypermedia systems, object-oriented communication models, and the…

Description of ways in which computers might be used to teach visual concepts discusses hypermedia systems; describes computer-generated tutorials; explains the use of computers to create learning aids such as concept maps, feature spaces, and structural models; and gives examples of visual concept teaching in medical education. (10 references)…

Prior knowledge is often argued to be an important determinant in hypermedia learning, and may be thought of as including two important elements: domain expertise and system expertise. However, there has been a lack of research considering these issues together. In an attempt to address this shortcoming, this paper presents a study that examines…

The consequences of exchanging ideas while making joint decisions about the paths followed by falling objects are addressed. Based on the results from 12- to 15-year-old pupils (n=82) who responded to computer-presented problems, it is indicated that benefits are to be gained but that constraints additional to joint decision making may be…

To evaluate the effectiveness of a hypermedia learning package about the Middle Ages, two groups of seventh graders completed either instructional worksheets with a book, or a hypermedia package. No differences were found between the two groups in the number of questions completed, questions answered correctly, interest in material, or task…

Describes a study of undergraduates that enhanced a hypertext environment with a graphical overview that represented the basic domain structure and designed the layout so learners were unobtrusively encouraged to follow a sequence of exploration that followed the domain structure. Results indicated that a visual display conveys knowledge in its…

Discusses the possibilities for improving courseware and the courseware engineering process using visualization. Advantages and disadvantages of visualization are considered, including psychological, instructional, motivational, cross-cultural, and technical aspects; visual programming systems are described; adaptation and rapid prototyping are…

Discussion of the Just-in-Time Open Learning (JITOL) project supported by the European Commission in its DELTA Programme considers attributes of open learning and the main tasks of learners and tutors. Information technology-based tools for open learning are described and related to these tasks, and planned JITOL user trials are summarized. (17…

Examines the issue of help devices for students in hypermedia environments according to the learning context and cognitive processes involved. Describes three main types of learning situations--learning-by-doing, learning-by-instruction, learning-by-exploring--and explores the main cognitive processes involved in them. Discusses specific types of…

Reports on two studies of student teachers that investigated the effect of asking learners to answer questions when learning in a hypertext environment. Discusses effects on concept learning from three learning environments: no response or feedback, analysis using a multiple choice questionnaire, and rule generation by students. (Author/LRW)

Describes a study of 24 secondary school students in London (England) that explored ways in which reflective writing supported pupils' learning. Writing with support from the teacher was compared with support from the teacher and from a hypermedia framework, and results showed improvement in pupils' ability to reason with the hypermedia support.…

Reports on an experiment in which a course in psychology was replaced by a mixed formula consisting of a CD-ROM complemented by seminars and workshops. The CD-ROM was conceived as a collection of documents linked together with Netscape facilities. Students searched through these documents for information to answer questions (challenges) on the…

Evaluates the use and efficiency of two computer learning tools for basic virology. "VIROLAB" is a simulation of a biology laboratory which also includes a hypertext providing learners with some knowledge on virology. The Hypertext is a version of the hypertext in VIROLAB. The study examined which of the two was most efficient for knowledge…