In order to extend this facility to academic staff in all subject areas, we propose to develop a high level authoring shell which will enable all staff to participate in this new learning technology by learning a simple set of markup commands. Imagemaps - a graphical interface containing links to further hypertext information Access to additional online information sources, linked directly to teaching documents Interactive online tutorials, with or without recorded assessment, as required Interactive online multiple choice questions, with or without recorded assessment, as required Text submission facilities to accept and record information submitted by students Online projects for students to undertake in their own time. Many lecturers have already prepared MCQs using word processing packages. At its conclusion, this project will allow staff in all Faculties to apply this new WWW-based technology to their own subject areas with minimal training by authoring new learning materials. It is intended that the system will be used as a constantly available learning resource for students.
Documents are constantly available to students anywhere on any computer platform .
This system can provide a high quality mix of line diagrams, full colour images and text, with interaction by means of hypertext indicators. Selectivity - hypertext enables individual students either to concentrate on a particular topic or browse more widely through the subject. The student chooses which topics are to be investigated. Successful use of such packages will not only increase students' knowledge, but will require them to develop other important skills, including self assessment and planning of studies, information technology skills, creativity and self-motivation. However, these advantages are unlikely to be realized unless academic staff can be persuaded to take up this technology in all subject areas and to apply it effectively.