Use of a hypermedia design model for the development of Web-based instruction

The main demands of the new Web learning environment for changes in educational technology are presented. A definition is given of Web-based instruction as a hypermedia instructional program that uses the main multimedia instructional principles and resources of the Web learning environment. The main advantages of using Cognitive Flexibility Theory to solve problems in presenting knowledge in ill-structured domains are pointed out. The question of why the Cognitive Flexibility Theory can be used to design Web-based instruction is answered. Based on this theory, the Hypermedia Design Model is used to develop Web-based instruction, and the main advantages and constraints of the utilisation of this model are presented. Elaboration of the Hypermedia Design Model to make the steps in the design process more concrete, is used to overcome the constraints.