Advantages and Disadvantages of Learning in a  Hypertext Environment

Advantages of Learning in a Hypertext Environment

Hypertext allows information to be organized and connected in a variety of ways that provide the user with a flexible working environment.  The following advantages highlight the benefits of working and learning in a hypertext environment.
 

1. Multiple Paths of Inquiry

Users in hypertext are often presented with multiple paths of inquiry to select at any given time.  Any option that is taken can be quickly "back tracked" to investigate another option or link.

 

2. Individualized Learning Opportunities

These multiple paths of inquiry can be customized for particular learners or groups of learners according to abilitiy.

 

3. Reader or Learner Control

A hypertext environment gives the learner control over paths of learning. Reader control allows the learner to make choices in navigating and manipulating the content on sites.  As well, hypertext allows for a non-linear movement within a document with the option of quickly returning to the point of origin  (Conklin, 1987).

 

4.Non-Linear Information Structure

Hypertext allows for a non-linear movement within a document with the option of quickly returning to where learners started  (Conklin, 1987). Learners in hypertext are often presented with multiple paths to select at any given time.

 

5.Supports the connection of ideas

Hypertext emulates the way we think through an association of ideas (Bush, 1945).

 

6. Some Text Is Suited to Hypertext

Some textual information is not easily presented in a linear form.  Arguments and counter arguments are easier to present in hypertext. Some linear texts are unwieldy, and their indices are inadequate(Foltz, 1996). Searching for a specific information is easier with hypertext (Foltz, 1996).

 

7.Creating new references

In many hypertext environments, learners can contribute their own work to be published in cyberspace and can easily link to existing documentation, thus expanding their network of knowledge.  Users have the ability to share in the authorship of documents as well as to create their own references.

 

8. Updating Information

Writers of hypertext can easily access their work and update information, links, and references, to ensure an active and functional site.

 

9. Critical thinking:

Hypertext allows readers to analyze information from multiple perspectives.  Information gathered from different sources engages users in critical thinking as they make choices, discover, and problem solve their own route through the topic being studied.

 

10.Collaborative Learning

Hypertext environments can be created that foster cooperative learning and collaboration among learners.

 

11. Centering and de-centering

As the learner uses hypertext, they determine the focus or center of investigation by choosing to move outside the limits setup by the author's navigational structure.

 

12. Ease of Navigation

One of the advantages of hypertext is the ease of navigation. Navigational aids, such as bookmarks and history lists,  allow the user quick access within a document.  Bookmarks allow  return to points of interest and history lists allow back-tracking of the learners' navigational steps.  Other navigational aids include site links and guided tours that orientate the user to the site.

 

13. Embedded text

Text in a document can be directly linked to references and other documents for quick access.  Embedded text, if moved to a new document, will take its linked properties with it.

 

14. Intertextuality

Writings derive meaning from relationships to other writings, and these relationships can be shown in hypertext.

 

15. Asynchronous communication

Not only, does hypertext support synchronous communication, giving it a similar functionality as a book, hypertext enables direct communication with an author or expert, (asynchronous communication) thus, providing an enriched learning environment. (Brown 1999).

 

16. Teaching with Hypertext

Sengupta (1996) suggests several advantages of teaching with hypertext over teaching from a book.  These include the ability of students to scan information quickly in an interactive environment at the learner's own pace and not feel pressured to keep up with the class.  Learners can work independently and respond to tasks obtaining immediate feedback in most instances.

 
 

Disadvantages of Learning in a Hypertext Environment

Hypertext certainly offers many types of learning experiences, yet those not familiar with hypertext could encounter barriers. 
 

1. Reader Disorientation:

Critics of hypertext say that learners may lose their sense of direction or location as they move and select links in hypertext.  There may well be a problem with concentration as the learner moves through hypertext.  Each link may redirect the learner's attention and require a shift in attention. Readers in hypertext may find it difficult to stay on track given the option to diverge down another path.  Some readers prefer to follow the author's intended path with a more structured hypertext environment (Shah, n. d).

 

2. Cognitive Overhead

Cognitive overhead is the effort and concentration required to maintain several tasks at one time. Critics of hypertext believe that learners can experience cognitive overload as they try to keep track of multiple paths of inquiry. A well-designed hypertext environment will minimize cognitive overhead (Keep, McLaughlin & Palmer, 1993 -2001).

 

3.Computer Required

In order to use hypertext, the learner requires a computer and the ability to know how to access the information.  Icons and other graphic images commonly found in hypertext usually represent a function to perform that may be unfamiliar to a new user.

 

4. Reading from the Screen

Writers of hypertext may create cumbersome and clogged sites with confusing structures where users get lost when navigating through information. Reading from the screen is very different from reading in a linear text. The interactive picking and choosing of information to read in hypertext changes the instructional experience for students from traditional linear sequence.  The interactive style of reading may be altering the form of reading (Hypertext Barriers, n.d.)

 

5. Too much control

Students who have very little knowledge of a subject may be overwhelmed by the information and lack the skills to succeed when using hypertext.  These students don't know where to start to engage in productive learning.