Hypermedia Applications in Web-based Teaching and Learning Environments: The Role of Databases as Intermediaries

There are numerous benefits associated with integrating hypermedia applications into teaching and learning environments. However, simply adding a hypertextual component does not ensure increased success in teaching or learning. Various issues can transform hypermedia into a constraint rather than an enabler of learning. For instance, problems occur when users are new to either hypermedia environments or the topic of study in which the hypermedia is integrated. We argue that a web-based database can act as an intermediary in the integration of hypermedia applications into learning environments. In this paper, we describe the reasons for using a web-based database as well as stages of implementation. We conclude with two examples of projects that utilize databases in hypermedia learning environments as well as methods for the development of database-driven hypermedia environments.