Lesson 15: Understanding Hypermedia

        Hypermedia is nothing but multimedia, but this time packed as an educational computer software where information is presented and students activities are integrated in a virtual learning environment. Most educational IT applications are Hypermedia and these include: 

                                                       Tutorial software 

                                                     Knowledge Webpages

                                                   Simulation instructional games

                                           Learning project management and others  

        These presentation of information-learning activities in hypermedia is said to be sequenced in a non-linear manner, meaning that the learner may follow his path of activities thus providing an environment of learner autonomy and thinking skills.

                  Characteristics of Hypermedia Applications

1) Learner Control. The learner makes his own decisions on the path,flow of events of instruction.

2)Learner wide ranges of navigation routes. The learner has a wide range of navigation routes such as by working on concepts, he is already familiar with. He may even if the previous activity is half-completed. He may explore other sections outing to return or complete the previous activity.

3) Variety of media. Hypermedia includes more than one media (text, graphics, audio, animations and video clips) but does not necessarily use all types of media in one presentation. Since only virtual learning activity takes places,  it is important from the standpoint of the teacher to optimize the learning process by identifying the characteristics of media application,  as well as the advantages and limitations of such as application.