Edited by Dr. David J. Ayersman, Mary Washington College, and Dr. Lynne Schrum, University of Georgia
formerly Journal of Research on Computing in Education

Volume 35 Number 3 Spring 2003

Moments of Joy: Student Engagement and Conceptual Learning in the Design of Hypermedia Documents
Pearl Chen
California State University—Los Angeles
Diane McGrath
Kansas State University

Abstract
This study examined (a) the nature of student engagement (enjoyment, concentration, perceived control, exploration, and challenge) in four hypermedia design tasks: chunking, linking, naming paths, and organizing information, and (b) the impact of designing hypermedia documents on students’ conceptual learning. The findings showed a high degree of student engagement in organizing information, and a greater organization and elaboration of concepts in students’ final knowledge representations. Although there were individual differences in students’ cognitive engagement and conceptual learning, the highly motivating task of organizing information and the characteristics of the learning context sustained their engagement in cognitively complex and challenging tasks.

Contributors
Pearl Chen is an assistant professor of instructional technology at California State University, Los Angeles. She has focused her academic career on using technology to promote optimal learning and engagement, and has recently collaborated with the School of Education faculty at Marquette University in developing an online master’s program. Diane McGrath is an associate professor of educational computing at Kansas State University. She is the former editor of the Journal of Research on Computing in Education, former Chair of ISTE’s Publications Committee, and has published a number of articles in ISTE and other journals. Her main professional interest is in using technology to help all learners develop deep understanding.

Contact
Pearl Chen
Division of Educational Foundations and Interdivisional Studies
CSU—Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032-8143
hchen6@calstatela.edu

Copyright © 2003, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education). All rights reserved.