Development of Hypermedia Computer-Mediated Learning System and its Evaluation

Abstract

This article focuses on the development and evaluation of the hyper-media computer-mediated learning (CML) system for programming language. The rapid increase in the need for new software requires many programmers. As a result, programming language education has become an important theme in current education programs. Using computers in education is considered to be one of the most promising learning methods. In order to use computers in education, the following problems should be solved: (1) Exercise support: exercise plays an important role in programming language education. However, few conventional CML systems have this facility. (2) Improving teaching materials: conventional teaching materials consist of multimedia data such as text, sound, and still and motion picture. However, the paths of learning are usually fixed. The users need to follow predefined learning paths. In this article, in order to solve the second problem, the hypermedia CML system is proposed. This system, called HIMAT, adopts the following method: (a) unified processing method for the combination of multiple time-dependent data and operations; (b) extension of object-oriented programming language to deal with multimedia data; and (c) metaphor interface and ladder structure teaching material, the conceptual structure of multimedia teaching material, to improve the usability of hyper-media teaching materials. The evaluation of HIMAT and guidelines for designing hypermedia teaching materials derived from the evaluation are also described.