Navigating the Hypertextbook
Since we have all of the flexibility and tools of the web at our disposal, we are constructing the hypertextbook to be accessible to students at all academic levels. There are thus three tracks through the hypertextbook for novice, intermediate, and advanced students, respectively.
Ski Slope Model
To make navigation of the hypertextbook through these various levels intuitive and clear, we have adopted the international ski terrain symbols and colors as identifying elements throughout to help you choose and stay on the right path.
In general, the various tracks through the hypertextbook have features or content more relevant to the level of the presentation.
Green Circle Track (Novice)
The green circle level is designed for novice students. It has
- more intuitive explanations of important concepts
- little emphasis on mathematical rigor
- less jargon, or when jargon is used, it is well defined
Blue Square Track (Intermediate)
The blue square level is for intermediate students. It features
- dependence on concepts that should have been learned in freshman and sophomore level courses
- discussions of mathematical underpinnings of the topics as relevant
- free use of standard notation and jargon that students should be acquainted with from prior courses
Black Diamond Track (Advanced)
The black diamond level is designed for advanced students. It promotes
- less intuitive and more technical descriptions of important concepts
- mathematical rigor where relevant
- complete dependence on the notation and terminology of the discipline