While hypermedia can provide flexible and rapid access to information in multiple mediums its navigation can be daunting to an unfamiliar user. This paper describes a prototype hypermedia system for training the components of a turbine engine. Designed as a content-rich hypermedia substrate combined with an independent guide, the system provides the novice with structure without impeding exploration. Results of a comparative study indicate that users unfamiliar with the topic learn more when the guide is available while users already comfortable with turbine concepts learn targeted information better without the guide.
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