Insights from modelling user behaviour in a hypertext

The paper reports on the modelling of tracking data collected for a large system of Windows help files used in a second year computing course. It proposes a model based on Markov process theory that has given some insights into the basic patterns of use. This model could be used as the basis for helping an author to develop a more suitable menu and link structure, and also for developing a dynamic help system to deliver to the reader the topics that are of most interest.