EVALUATING a HYPERTEXT-BASED TUTORIAL Purpose: This publication provides a focussed evaluation of a specific hypertext-based tutorial. The results of tests described here also have wider implications for the general design of hypertext documents. Description: Hypertext is frequently advanced as a potential aid to learning, so it seems particularly appropriate to employ a hypertext solution to the learning of computer systems operation. An example of such a hypertext, XWindows Tutorial, or Xtutor, was constructed at the University of Kent (ukc) as part of a project funded by the Information Technology Training Initiative (itti). Running on unix workstations, (or via the ExCeed package on PCs), Xtutor was intended as an introduction and reference for both novice and experienced users of the X Window system. This report describes in detail the evaluation of Xtutor, paying particular attention to the value of hypertext as a teaching aid. To determine the effects of different methods of hypertext presentation, two different versions of the original application were also examined. The first variation displayed information as self contained paragraphs; the second reduced the hypertextual density of the overall document. Copious appendices not only include a copy of the questionnaire and all results, but also user comments and samples of background recording. Producer: Dr Duncan Langford Computing Laboratory University of Kent CANTERBURY CT2 7NF Price:- UKHE 10 pounds Non UKHE 15 pounds Distribution:- The report is obtainable from:- Mrs Jean Burgan, USDU, Level Six, University House, SHEFFIELD S10 2TN Tel: 0742 725248 Fax: 0742 728705 Email: j.burgan@sheffield.ac.uk Submitted by: Brian Shields01-FEB-94 _______________________________________________________________________ | | | In general the copyright for material on the NISS Bulletin Board | | is held by the CHEST & NISS Centre (University of Bath) or by the | | authors. | | | | Copying or reproduction of the material is permitted provided that | | | | (a) the source is acknowledged | | and (b) the material is not used for commercial gain. | | | | However, material must not be made available outside the academic | | community without prior consent. | |_______________________________________________________________________|