Hypertext allows information to be organized and connected in a variety of ways that provide the user with a flexible working

environment. The following advantages highlight the benefits of working and learning in a hypertext environment.
1. Multiple Paths of Inquiry Users in hypertext are often presented with multiple paths of inquiry to select at any given time. Any option that is taken can be quickly "back tracked" to investigate another option or link.

2. Individualized Learning Opportunities These multiple paths of inquiry can be customized for particular learners or groups of learners according to abilitiy.

3. Reader or Learner Control A hypertext environment gives the learner control over paths of learning. Reader control allows the learner to make choices in navigating and manipulating the content on sites. As well, hypertext allows for a non-linear movement within a document with the option of quickly returning to the point of origin (Conklin, 1987).

4.Non-Linear Information Structure Hypertext allows for a non-linear movement within a document with the option of quickly returning to where learners started (Conklin, 1987). Learners in hypertext are often presented with multiple paths to select at any given time.

5.Supports the connection of ideas Hypertext emulates the way we think through an association of ideas (Bush, 1945).

6. Some Text Is Suited to Hypertext Some textual information is not easily presented in a linear form. Arguments and counter arguments are easier to present in hypertext. Some linear texts are unwieldy, and their indices are inadequate(Foltz, 1996). Searching for a specific information is easier with hypertext (Foltz, 1996).

7.Creating new references In many hypertext environments, learners can contribute their own work to be

published in cyberspace and can easily link to existing documentation, thus expanding their network of knowledge. Users have the ability to share in the authorship of documents as well as to create their own references.

8. Updating Information Writers of hypertext can easily access their work and update information, links, and references, to ensure an active and functional site.

9. Critical thinking: Hypertext allows readers to analyze information from multiple perspectives. Information gathered from different sources engages users in critical thinking as they make choices, discover, and problem solve their own route through the topic being studied.

10.Collaborative Learning Hypertext environments can be created that foster cooperative learning and collaboration among learners.

11. Centering and de-centering As the learner uses hypertext, they determine the focus or center of investigation by choosing to move outside the limits setup by the author's navigational structure.

12. Ease of Navigation One of the advantages of hypertext is the ease of navigation. Navigational aids, such as bookmarks and history lists, allow the user quick access within a document. Bookmarks allow return to points of interest and history lists allow backtracking of the learners' navigational steps. Other navigational aids include site links and guided tours that orientate the user to the site.

13. Embedded text Text in a document can be directly linked to references and other documents for quick access. Embedded text, if moved to a new document, will take its linked properties with it.

14. Intertextuality Writings derive meaning from relationships to other writings, and these relationships

can be shown in hypertext.

15. Asynchronous communication Not only, does hypertext support synchronous communication, giving it a similar functionality as a book, hypertext enables direct communication with an author or expert, (asynchronous communication) thus, providing an enriched learning environment. (Brown 1999).

16. Teaching with Hypertext Sengupta (1996) suggests several advantages of teaching with hypertext over teaching from a book. These include the ability of students to scan information quickly in an interactive environment at the learner's own pace and not feel pressured to keep up with the class. Learners can work independently and respond to tasks obtaining immediate feedback in most instances.