teaching resources

Hypertext and story seem to have clearly opposite structures: story is linear whole hypertext is non-linear. How can then hypertext fictions be constructed? We compare here the structure of classic narrative and of hypertext and explore the importance of sequence. To solve the apparent opposition, we consider the structure of our memory, where sequential and non-sequential relations are present. We found so multiple suggestion that can help us to explain how to build an hypernovel. Finally, we show how and why hypertext fiction can be used for learning.

Abstract (in original language)

A primera vista, el hipertexto y la novela parecen tener estructuras claramente opuestas. Pero hemos de preguntarnos si esto es cierto ahora, que varias hipernovelas pueden ser encontradas en la Web. Analizamos aquí, primero, estas dos estructuras, mostrando la principal diferencia de la relación con el carácter secuencial de la novela clásica vs. la multi-direccionalidad del hipertexto. Para buscar una solución a esta aparente oposición, abordamos luego la consideración de las estructuras cognitivas, principalmente de la memoria de largo plazo, en la que también encontramos aspectos secuenciales y multidireccionales cuya interrelación nos puede ayudar a solucionar la aparente contradicción de los formatos. Pasamos luego a caracterizar los niveles de "hipertextualidad" y a sugerir reglas para construir una hipernovela, basándonos en una experiencia propia. Mostramos cómo la hipernovela puede ser utilizada como herramienta para la enseñanza.

Read more about Cómo construir hipernovelas

Abstract (in English)

(From the Website)

This website was created in February of 2008 to compliment the publication of N. Katherine Hayle's book, Electronic Literature: New Horizons for the Literary. The website aims to provide additional resources to students and teachers of electronic literature. The site is divided into the following sections:

Essays: Additional essays from various contributors. Topics expand on the ideas laid out by Hayles in Electronic Literature: New Horizons for the Literary.
Biographies: Brief biographies on the authors of the Electronic Literature Collection, Volume 1. Also includes links to the home pages of many of the authors.
Resources: Miscellaneous resources meant for educators wishing to incorporate electronic literature into their curriculum. Includes sample syllabi from other educators and information on length and size of the works in the ELC 1.
Blog: A blog from the creators of the website with information pertinent to the book and teaching electronic literature
Forums: A message board designed for the discussion of topics covered inElectronic Literature: New Horizons for the Literary

The resource was created together with Christopher Mott and Jacob Burch.