Conceptual Relationship of a Hypertext Structure (A Basis for Knowledge Structure)

(source: my thesis- improving learning ability through hypertext system)

Hypertext uses two fundamental units to represent its structure. The first one is node, which is a unit of information, and the second is link that is used to establish and indicate the possible connections between the nodes. Nielsen [1995, p.3] quoted from Frank Halasz said that a true hypertext system should include an explicit representation of a network structure in its user interface to give the user a dynamic structure of hypertext system. The structure is comprised of departure/arrival nodes of information and links between them. Figure Conceptual Relationship of a Hypertext Structure, which is a modified view of Nielsen [1995, p. 1], shows a miniature of hypertext structure, which has six nodes and nine links. Once users start by reading the text marked A, the hypertext structure gives two options: B or D. Assuming that users decide to go to B, they can then jump to C or to E, and from E they can go to C or to F. Thus, hypertext is able to tell a user where can go next and the path that a user has tracked.












Figure Conceptual Relationship of a Hypertext Structure

Drawing upon above explanations, the fundamental hypertext concept that must be bear in mind when generating hypertext system are presented as follows:
1. Hypertext is used to handle information in literary place in the form of texts, images, or other objects that potentially to be associated with others so that become a collection of broader relevant information.
2. Hypertext is a multi-linear writing where users determine where they can start and go next with multiple paths.
3. Hypertext is structured by its fundamental units; links and nodes.


References:

[Nielsen, 1995] Nielsen, J., 1995, Multimedia and Hypertext: The Internet and Beyond, Academic Press, Boston.