Introduction to Evolution Life on Earth Dr Jamie Love © 2000

About your Hypertextbook

A full colour screen works best. When the screen resolution is set at 800X600, the images will align cleanly with the text and everything will fit neatly on the screen. Lower resolution or a grey scale screen are OK, but the images won't be as nice.
Maximise your browser's window. Use the "Options" on your browser to close all Toolbars, Location Boxes and Directory Buttons. Do whatever you can to present on your screen as much of your hypertextbook as possible. That way you'll be able to see the text and relevant image(s) without having to scroll up and down.

From the Contents Page (contents.html) you can hyperlink to any section. You can return to the Contents Page later by using the "Back" or "Go To" function in the "History" files of your browser, but it's best to simply bookmark it.

You will spend a great deal of time at the computer while you study with your hypertextbook so it is important to be comfortable. Sit correctly. (Sit up!) Not too far back or too far forward. Shift the position of your legs and your bottom every now and then. Maybe take a full stretch. If you get tired, take a break. Support the weight of your arms as you work the mouse or keyboard. Adjust the brightness and contrast on your screen to give you a comfortable view. Do what you must to get glare and reflections off the screen.

The hypertextbook is NOT designed to be printed out. Indeed, it would amount to several hundred pages if it were! It would also violate copyright laws! I can offer you no advice on printing these pages and suggest you don't bother trying.

Studying with Your Hypertextbook

You should NOT simply "read and page down, click, read and page down, etc.". This is far too passive a way to learn (anything).

Get yourself a nice blank notebook. (A real one, with paper!) Jot down important points with pencil or pen in one hand, as your other hand works the mouse or keyboard. I believe learning is aided by the repetition of short phrases (in your mind) as your eyes move from screen to notebook. Writing these notes exercises your memory.

Most of the webpages in this module end with a question requiring a simple answer. Write them into your notebook too, along with any excersises, problems or experiments you are given.
Your notebook will become increasingly valuable as the course goes on. You can review your notes while traveling, before bed, or relaxing outside in the fresh air. That is something you cannot do with your hypertextbook