Dastbaz, Mohammad (1998) Design, development and evaluation of hypermedia courseware: market research. (PhD thesis), Kingston University, .

Abstract

This study focuses on the emergence of Multimedia technology and its subsequent application and effects on Computer Aided Learning. The growing interest in the pedagogical possibilities offered by Multimedia technology has highlighted the need for research in order to investigate those properties of Multimedia that may have an impact on instructional outcomes. The review of the literature indicated the key research issues as being the design, implementation and evaluation of courseware using the new technology. It is these key issues that form the core of the research presented here. More specifically the overall outcome of the research has been the proposal of a holistic model for the design, implementation and evaluation of hypermedia learning tools. The main objectives supported by appropriate hypotheses were defined as: Proposing a design process model for hypermedia courseware. Developing Market Research by Multimedia (MRM). Evaluating MRM as a means of course delivery. Evaluating the MRM design. MRM was developed based on the proposed Design and Development Process Model (DDPM) and subsequently evaluated. Using a summative method of evaluation based on observation and pre/post tests, 186 students from Kingston University's BIT and BABS courses were selected and randomly divided into the following four experimental groups. Group A - traditional lectures and tutorials, Group B- MRM only, Group C combined traditional lectures and Multimedia tutorials, and Group D - the Open Learning group . . A holistic model for the design, implementation and evaluation of Multimedia based courseware is proposed. The resultant model proposes the following four stages in the development of hypermedia learning tools as: 1. Defining the Learning Objectives - this research provides strong evidence to indicate that hypermedia offers flexibility as a learning tool and could be successfully implemented in a variety of learning programmes including: delivering courses, used as a tutorial tool, or replace open learning modes of delivery. This study has provided empirical support to suggest that MRM as a means of course delivery is as effective as traditional lectures and tutorials and significantly better than the Open Learning mode. 2. Defining the Design Strategy - the design issues are addressed by the DDPM and deal with systems specification, design specification, implementation and evaluation. Based on the research findings it is recommended that ease of use should be the key objective of the design. 3. Defining the Implementation Strategy - this research recommends that prtor to use directives to hypermedia courseware users both in terms of their time management and their navigational style should be offered. 4. Defining the Evaluation Strategy - two main forms of evaluations could be considered Le. formative and summative depending on the evaluation objectives. This research recommends that 'observation' of learners using hypermedia learning tools through built-in tracking systems could provide educators with invaluable information about the way the system is used. This research makes three important contributions to the body of knowledge on hypermedia aided learning. Firstly it proposes a holistic model for design, implementation and evaluation of hypermedia learning tools, secondly it proposes the DDPM as a specific hypermedia design model and thirdly it evaluates HAL as a means of course delivery.

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