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 Shields  01-FEB-94
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