Analyzing user interactions with hypermedia systems

摘要: The unprecedented freedom for users to control the scope and sequence of their interactions with hypermedia systems presents many challenges those who design study these in educational settings. Early efforts develop revealed that node-link structure such is both advantageous problematic (Conklin, 1987). When have follow any a multitude link permutations, disorientation often results. Further, without appropriate training, novice do not possess strategies necessary effective "browsing" large documents (Duffy & Knuth, 1991). It has also been noted purpose using system or task are engaged can influence patterns interaction (Nelson, Many designers, therefore, advocate features as visual maps, database search facilities guided tours be included alleviate some problems (e.g. Hammond, 1989; Laurel, 1990, 1991).With emergence major architecture other information-oriented software comes related problem how document analyze user purposes research evaluation. There variety interface impact on performs should evaluated. date employed interface, but alternative approaches emerging (Nelson Palumbo, 1992). Regardless type questions generated when studying systems. For example, chose particular link, why was one chosen over another? How does choice affect choices subsequent links? graphic images, animations video segments accessed? What tasks guiding system? kinds while working systems? These need answers designing, developing evaluating applications education settings, provide focus this short article.A wealth data easily collected within development environments order aspects including nature navigation patterns, time spent at each node use help orienting facilities. represent paths follows through system, made system. because data, traditional methods analysis surveys pretest-posttest designs, particularly determining usability comparing designs. Researchers had new techniques analyzing evaluate effectiveness (Misanchuk Schwier, categorize compare groups features, well describing characteristics by individual same