This dissertation has two main goals. First, it explores the use of hypermedia annotations by intermediate and advanced ESL learners while reading a hypermedia text. Second, the study investigates the relationship between reading comprehension and several variables that are the focus of this study: annotation use, text format, and prior knowledge. The participants are 103 ESL adult learners enrolled at the Center for English as a Second Language at the University of Arizona. Data were collected in several ways. A tracking tool incorporated into the hypermedia program recorded every interaction of the reader with the text in terms of the frequency of access to a given annotation or the amount and time spent on a given annotation. Data also included scores from a reading comprehension test and a prior knowledge test, both of which were developed for this study, as well as data from interviews and a questionnaire. Results indicate that intermediate and advanced learners displayed different patterns of annotation use. The intermediate group accessed annotations more frequently than the advanced group. However, they did not spend more time on annotations. The relationship between annotation use and reading comprehension also differed based on the proficiency level. While annotation use did not explain reading comprehension for the advanced group, over-reliance on certain annotations had a negative impact on the intermediate group. The study did not find any effect of text format on reading comprehension. However, prior knowledge was found to be an important variable related to reading comprehension. Finally, the qualitative data reveal that hypermedia reading had a positive impact on the participants' attitude towards reading on the computer. Despite the lack of quantitative evidence for the significant contribution of annotation use on reading comprehension, the participants indicated that the provision of information using multiple forms of media made reading more enjoyable and comprehensible.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/252892 |
| Date | January 2001 |
| Creators | Ercetin, Naciye Gulcan |
| Contributors | Ruiz, Richard, Ariew, Robert A., Ruiz, Richard, Ariew, Robert A., Ruiz, Richard, Ariew, Robert A., Valmont, William |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Dissertation-Reproduction (electronic) |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
Page generated in 0.0023 seconds