Distance learning on the Web supported by Java']JavaScript: A critical appraisal with examples from clay mineralogy and knowledge-based tests

The hypertext mark-up language (HTML) is used to create hypertext documents in use on the World-Wide Web (WWW), built up as a client/server model. In this paper we discuss the enhancement of HTML documents with JavaScript, a script language understood by most common browsers. JavaScripl is considered an easy means for bringing interactivity and answer checking to educational Web pages. It is faster to learn compared to using a programming language like PERL and has the advantage of high portability between different operating systems. Because all actions are performed on the client side, it reduces net traffic and pages can be used off-line. Educational usage, including tests and operations in future distance learning are outlined. Examples of JavaScript supported documents are given using clay mineralogy and knowledge-based tests as examples. A critical review of this relatively new technology reveals some compatibility problems but these seem to be offset by the possibility to make Web pages more attractive. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.