Lesson 15 Understanding Hypermedia

Content

            Hypermedia is nothing but multimedia, but this time packaged as educational computer software where information is presented and student activities are in a virtual learning environment.

The 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. This fact makes it therefore important to understand hypermedia in the educational context in order to ensure their successful integration in the teaching-learning process.

There are two important 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. The learner has control on such aspects, as sequence, pace, content, media, feedback, etc. that he/she may encounter in the hypermedia learning program.                           

2.        Learner wide range of navigation routes.   

For the most part, the learner controls the sequence and pace of his path depending on his ability and motivation. He has the option to repeat and change speed, if desired. The learner also has a wide range of navigation routes such as by working on concepts he is already familiar with. They may even follow a linear or logical path.

Experience

          In simple words, these hypermedia are combinations of multimedia in software. As the statement above says, these hypermedia are commonly used by students and it’s not new to me since I’ve been using that ever since I was introduced by computers. It also includes the text, graphics, music and etc.

Reflection

Hypermedia is decidedly a lot better than the traditional classroom learning especially in today’s age where computer is a major influence among the learners. It allows the learners to independently learn and determine his pace of learning. Unlike in the traditional learning where the student has to keep pace with his peers and has to see to it that he absorbs the lessons of the teacher, in hypermedia, the student has more leeway to learn at his own pace, thus making learning more personalized.

Application

            Teachers that follows the traditional method can also make use of hypermedia by using books and other materials in the classroom and let the students explore and have some activity that would cater their skills most especially the analytical and creativity skills. Sine hypermedia could provide an atmosphere of search, exploration and discovery.