Homespun Hypertext: Student-Constructed Hypertext as a Tool for Teaching Critical Thinking

Abstract

Techniques for creating collaborative student-constructed hypertexts in the classroom are described. The goals of the exercise were to facilitate student-directed learning by doing, help students learn to apply courseware development theory, teach specific computer skills, and promote critical thinking by having students link critical concepts in a hypertext environment. Critical thinking is discussed in terms of informal reasoning and ill-structured problem solving. The contexts were two undergraduate courses on cognition and computer-assisted learning. Students' separate papers were integrated to form the group hypertext. Hypercard procedures for creating the background, text blocks, and button links are presented. An approach to hypertext construction management called a Linking Priority Structure is described, along with two management rules, and a hypertext scavenger hunt. The exercise was evaluated through the success of the scavenger hunt and students' written comments. Strengths and weaknesses of the homespun hypertext are valuable sources of learning.