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Conceptualisation of the Web and Disorientation


Judy Sheard, Senior Lecturer, School of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Monash University, Caulfield Campus, Melbourne, Australia 3145. +61 3 9903 2701  judy.sheard@infotech.monash.edu.au

Jason Ceddia, Senior Lecturer, School of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Monash University, Caulfield Campus, Melbourne, Australia 3145. +61 3 9903 2463 jason.ceddia@infotech.monash.edu.au

Keywords

Web-based learning environments, disorientation, mental models, navigation.

Abstract

The study explored the extent of computing students’ perceived disorientation on the Web and the relationship of their disorientation to their conceptualisations of a Web-based learning environment. Intensive data collection methods were used to gain insights into how students work within the Web environment and deal with disorientation and the problems it can give rise to. Understanding how experienced Web users have adapted to the Web environment has provided information about factors that should be considered when providing Web-based learning environments. Also found was that students who had constructed simple mental models of the website experienced less disorientation. A further finding of this research was that students used a range of techniques to navigate on the Web which seemed to be useful in helping their orientation within this environment.


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