9354323 Yoder This project is preparing a hypertext "electronic" textbook that requires the active involvement of the student in the discussion of principles as well as the application of these principles in the solution of problems. Given that active, rather than passive, study is necessary for the mastery and application of the concepts of chemistry, the computer provides an ideal vehicle for this type of learning, especially in the form of hypertext. Our preliminary version of a hypertext problem solving guide using the hypertext program Guide (OWL International) has received very favorable student responses. We believe that this hypertext program, using the Guide software, is helping to develop rational approaches to learning and problem-solving, is building self confidence, is making the concepts of chemistry accessible to students with a greater range of abilities, and is serving as a model for the teaching of chemistry by secondary school teachers. This hypertext book, ChemGuide, is encouraging student participation by constructing most discussions around questions that must be answered by the student. The responses to the questions are hidden in hypertext until selected by the student. ChemGuide also provides hints and definitions upon selection and when necessary takes the student to an appropriate section of the text for review or help. Although the content of ChemGuide is adapted from an introductory text co-authored by the principal investigator, the conceptual content of the ChemGuide is similar to that of most texts. ***y
