USING HYPERTEXT FOR COLLEGE-COURSE INFORMATION

A hypertext browsing system was compared with a linearly based command -line system for accessing information concerning college transfer cou rses. Usability engineering guidelines were used in ascertaining stude nt expectations and in designing the hypertext system. A prototype was tested against a linearly based command-line system. Performance in c ompleting two tasks was significantly faster using the hypertext syste m. User perceptions of the hypertext system were more favorable than t hose of the linearly based system. These results are discussed relativ e to other studies which have not found a preference for hypertext sys tems. Differences in the type of task used as well as the need for inc orporating usability engineering guidelines are emphasized.