The dialogic dimensions of using a hypermedia learning package

The dialogic dimensions of a hypermedia learning package are often perceive d as the interactivity of its design. However, it is not feasible for hyper media to embody all dimensions of a human conversational dialogue. Instead, we should explore the opportunities for the dialogic dimensions of learnin g mediated by these packages. Based on a case study of the use of WinEcon ( a hypermedia package) in an economics department, this paper shows how the human participants in the learning environment employ WinEcon to mediate th e one-to-one dialogues between teachers and students, and the dialogues amo ng students. Four processes are present in these dialogues: discussion, int eraction. reflection and feedback to enhance students' access to the econom ics discipline. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.