Purpose: This paper aims to evaluate the accessibility of digital information systems as a key usability attribute in information retrieval by users with visual impairment (VI), to inform development of accessible information systems. Design/methodology/approach: This study used a cross-sectional survey design based on the quantitative research…

Learning has transcended into a life-long endeavor in the information age. It is no longer restricted to confines of formal classrooms. Consequently, a student is not restricted to traditional learning resources like teachers, textbooks or printed content. Digital resources available on the Internet form a very significant component of…

Interactive learning environments (ILEs) are increasingly used to support and enhance instruction and learning experiences. ILEs maintain and display information, allowing learners to interact with this information. One important method of interacting with information is navigation. Often, learners are required to navigate through the information…

Discusses navigation in instructional hypertext programs and describes two preliminary studies that investigated concrete versus abstract representations for backward navigation. Topics include representation and hypermedia sign systems; and consistency in the forms designers use for navigation buttons. (LRW)

Describes wearable computers, or information and communication technology devices that are designed to be mobile. Discusses how such technologies can enhance computer-mediated communications, focusing on collaborative working for learning. Describes an experimental system, MetaPark, which explores communications, data retrieval and recording, and…

Hypertext can be characterized as an electronic system that works by association rather than indexing, and furnishes information in a dynamic, nonsequential manner that does not limit the content by structure or organization. A more technical definition specifies that hypertext is a technique for organizing information in a complex manner that…

Outlines important issues to consider when analyzing navigation in hypertext. Identifies internal and external factors of learning and information seeking with hypertext, and presents a summary of related research. Addresses different criteria for analyzing navigation patterns and focuses on the shortcomings of present studies. (AEF)

Presents a matrix that can serve as a tool for designing the information architecture of a Web portal in a logical and systematic manner. Highlights include interfaces; metaphors; navigation; interaction; information retrieval; and an example of a children's Web portal to provide access to museum information. (Author/LRW)

HTML provides a platform-independent way of creating and making multimedia presentations for classroom instruction and making that content available on the Internet. However, time in class is very valuable, so that any way to automate or otherwise assist the presenter in Web page navigation during class can save valuable seconds. This paper…

Discusses problems with two common Web-browsing instructional activities and suggests ways that teachers can improve lessons to develop students' critical thinking skills. Focuses on search-and-print and Web page design activities. (AEF)