Development of a hypertext computer program to enhance the scientific writing of upper secondary physics students

This is a descriptive account of the development of a hypertext computer program to enhance the scientific writing skills of upper secondary physics students. The program facilitates the integration of concept mapping, inferential reading, student-teacher dialogue, models of writing in the scientific register and the clear display of assessment criteria. This was achieved by the design and use of a program called ‘HyperCardPhysics’ (HCP) for Apple-Macintosh computers. It has been tried out in a number of schools in South Australia with positive results.