Chen, S. Y. Fan, J and Macredie, R. D. (2006) Navigation in Hypermedia Learning Systems: Experts vs. Novices. Computers in Human Behavior. 22(2), 251-266.

This paper presented an issue, learners’ prior knowledge, in developing adaptive learning system. Online learner is a diverse group with various level of prior knowledge.

Prior domain knowledge is one the important factors affecting learning in hypermedia learning environment. Learner with different prior knowledge, for example experts and novices, tend to have very different learning patterns and behavior. Chen, fan and Macredie looked into disorientation, content structure, navigation tools and additional support issues in hypermedia system design. Trying to benefit both experts and novices, Chen, fan and Macredie developed a framework for hypermedia learning and provided implication for system design.

In the user interface design, implications fall into the three following areas: where are they, where have they been and where can users go. In the third area, author suggested hat “user interface has to help user decide which path can best satisfy their needs”. An example of such user interface is to keep novices on the correct path by hiding links to pages with advanced content. The first issue here is that how we can determine if leaner is a novice. In general, learner can not and should not be categorized as either novice or expert, for instance, a learner with some prior knowledge but not enough to be qualified as an expert. Second issue is how we can decide appropriate content path for learners. In other words, what content should we hide from a learner based on his prior knowledge.

All in all, it is important to acknowledge the prior knowledge factor in developing adaptive learning system, the challenge here is how we determine learners’ prior knowledge level and how we design appropriate learning path for each learner based on one’s prior knowledge.