The role of metacognitive reading strategies instructions and various types of links in comprehending hypertexts

The advent of computer and Internet technology enables hypertext, hypermedia and e-learning to be involved in the vocational education and training area. Hyperlinks play a significant role in hypertexts and e-learning systems, since they are connections among different nodes of information. Besides textual links, hypermedia systems provide access to various links that include multimedia applications, such as pictures, and audio clips. Therefore, comprehending information presented in hypertext/hypermedia systems and e-learning systems utilising appropriate reading strategies becomes crucial. This paper adds a new dimension to the existing body of research by investigating the influence of metacognitive strategies training and different types of hyperlinks on reading comprehension of hypertexts. A comparison of comprehension outcomes for hypertexts with text, picture and audio links is presented in order to illustrate the relationship among hypertext comprehension, types of links and learning styles. Also theoretical and practical implications of this research are presented.