 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
Navigating for Learning
Hyperlinks and Hypertext are readily available tools for navigating the Web and individual Web-sites in search of new knowledge. The searcher on the Internet who has learned to use navigational tools properly will be rewarded with spectacular finds and rich experiences in this new knowledge building medium.
Searchers on the Internet have different destinations and goals as to what they want to find. It is important to have a clear concept of the search’s objective and an approximate time frame for the search before deciding on the navigation. For example:
 |
 Link
back to a previous section of a page (especially for long documents)  Link to a
later
section of the page Link to a pop-up window A link
to a page not on cristalla.com (external link) is shown if it is not clear from the context that you will be leaving cristalla.com |
Looking for a specific product and finding it with the least number of mouse clicks indicates a successful search.
Trying to establish a travel route complete with accommodations requires a different and lengthier navigation.
Searching information for a research project should not be measured in mouse clicks but conducted within a set time frame – like a library visit.
Unfortunately, the “three-click approach” to web searches has been widely adopted for any search, thereby creating unnecessary experiences of failure.
Remember: Technology will not produce solutions or knowledge. It takes the human mind and intelligence searching for facts and information to arrive at knowledge. Technology is just a very enabling tool to use for the human mind’s quest.
Navigating for learning requires a mindset of exploration and must be a dedicated effort in order to achieve the learning objective. Knowing how to navigate through well-placed hyperlinks is of utmost importance. To understand hyperlinks as the fundamental element of hypertext or hypermedia, if graphics, sound or video are included, is a basic prerequisite for the learners using this technology in their searches. Hypermedia is often called an “enabling technology” – letting users construct their own pathways leading to the formation of new knowledge. Hypertext also helps us to redefine the role of the teacher as online mentor and facilitates a strong learner orientation.
Hyper-linking follows in many ways our everyday thinking: one thought leading to another and connecting out to others not related to the original thought to form a web of thoughts and memories. Hyper-linking is a true form of
brain-based learning. It allows us to take full advantage of the possible learning accomplishments over the screen which can not be achieved via printed text on paper.cristalla.com has taken great consideration in establishing links for creating your learning pathway, relating information sources, providing contacts and tools for building new knowledge – all located in the various individual crystals. Tips on conducting
Web searches are in the Resource Center.As new navigation and knowledge building tips and tools are added to our site, we will introduce and explain them here.
Guide
to Electronic and Printed References 