The development of a hypertext‐based tutor for Geographical Information Systems

The Geographical Information System Tutor (GIST) was developed to address problems using Apple's object-orientated HyperCard software with a ‘point-and-click’ interface with graphical cues to initiate operations which include animated demonstrations, step-by-step illustrative graphics and graphical displays capable of user modification.

Abstract

Abstract Experience gained in the construction of the world's first Geographical Information Systems tutor, ARCDEMO, emphasised the importance of accommodating different learning strategies. ARCDEMO, while highly successful, suffered from static graphical displays, a single pre‐determined access path, and an overall design which restricted its scope in use. The Geographical Information System Tutor (GIST) was developed to address these problems using Apple's object‐orientated HyperCard software. GIST incorporates a ‘point‐and‐click’ interface with graphical cues to initiate operations which include animated demonstrations, step‐by‐step illustrative graphics and graphical displays capable of user modification. The system was designed with two alternative access modes, serial or browsing , to allow different classes of user to work through the material in their preferred fashion. The use of GIST in undergraduate and short course teaching has shown how users respond well to the interface and find graphical explanations easy to follow.