In the years since the introduction of the World Wide Web in 1993, the use of the Web to deliver instruction has increased immensely. Khan defined web-based instruction (WBI) as “a hypermedia-based instructional program which utilizes the attributes and resources of the World Wide Web to create a meaningful learning environment where learning is fostered and supported” (Khan 1997, 6). However, it may be useful to review where WBI came from in relation to other concepts that preceded it.
Web-based instruction (WBI), taking advantage of the advancement of hypermedia technology, has become a popular alternative to mainstream face-to-face instruction. The potential of WBI has led to the shift of research focus to examining variables that may contribute to the success of this kind of instruction. Research has shown that the advantage of WBI lies in its affordance of nonlinear interaction (Laurillard, 1993). Nonlinearity of WBI is believed to provide individuals with learning decisions that allow them to control their sequence and pace while learning the target material. In addition, allowing individuals to have control over their learning also makes them more motivated
to learn (Keller, 1983).