"A la" in Education: Keywords Linking Method for Selecting Web Resources

Abstract

The authors of the Web-based courseware typically face problems such as how to locate, select and semantically relate suitable learning resources. As the concept of the Semantic Web has not yet matured, the authors resort to a keyword-based search and bookmarking. This paper proposes a tool that supports the authors in their tasks of selection and grouping the learning material. The "a la" (Associative Linking of Attributes) in Education, enhances the search engine results by extracting the attributes (keywords and document formats) from the text. The relationships between the attributes are established and visualised in a novel hypertext paradigm using the ZigZag principles. Browsing the related metadata provides a quick summary of the document that can help in faster determining its relevancy. Also, the proposed solution enables better understanding why some resources are grouped together as well as providing suggestions for the further search. The results of a user trial indicate high levels of user satisfaction and effectiveness.