Monitoring hypertext users

This paper reports a study to investigate the feasibility of using techniques of learner modelling from intelligent tutoring systems to support users of hypertext systems. The problems of disorientation experienced by hypertext users may be less significant in educationally realistic settings than suggested by previous studies. As a result of our study we conclude that (1) users are rather good at monitoring their own use of a hypertext system and (2) provided that the user's goals and expert paths through the database are both known, then the system, by the overlay modelling technique, may successfully monitor the user's actions.