Development of Hypermedia Learning Materials for Simulated Experience : Software Design and Representation Methods

Abstract

The present study examines the design principles of a simulated experience type software in a Hypermedia learning environment which supports the acquisition of investigating skills by children and help them integrate various kinds of information stored in files. This learning program deals with the road safety education for the 4th grade social studies. A prototype version of the software was made to refine design principles. The Hypermedia learning program was then developed and implemented in an eight-hour instructional unit. The main principles are a)parallel display of different modalities of information on the monitor, b)simulated experience of investigation in the school district, c)nonlinear network of information files. The design principles of the instructional unit also were clarified in accord with the software design. It has three main stages; a)watching a TV program, b)simulated experience of investigation using Hypermedia, c)a real world research activity for data on traffic accidents around the school.