A hypertext approach to foreign language reading: student attitudes and perceptions

Abstract

This article reports the results of a study conducted to examine the use of three different reading text formats: paper-based format (PF), computer-based nonhypertext format (NHF) and computer-based hypertext format (HF). It investigates foreign language learners' reactions to the three text formats, focusing particularly on the usefulness of hyperlinks in computer-mediated text to provide readers with optional assistance during independent reading. Data collected from interviews with a group of Korean as a foreign language (KFL) students are presented and discussed. The results of this study show that the students considered the use of hyperlinks to be helpful and useful for their learning and suggest that it is important to look at the way in which reading materials and supporting information are presented when designing or selecting computer-assisted language learning (CALL) programs.