Adaptive Hypermedia Usability for Language Learning at Preschool Juan Enrique Agudo Eva Mª Domínguez Mª Antonia Paín Alejandro Curado Ana Belén Cumbreño Centro Universitario de Mérida (Universidad de Extremadura) Mérida /Spain jeagudo@unex.es evadomin@unex.es mapain@unex.es acurado@unex.es belencum@unex.es Abstract Software developers assume that users in general, regardless of their individualized features, are proficient enough to handle web-based interfaces and that they can easily engage in content, tasks, interaction and the feedback provided by multimedia applications. Based on our experience in the development of educational software, it is our belief that research on usability should take as primary as well as active part in the methodological process of hypermedia development. In addition to this, if the hypermedia system addresses very young learners, the whole application requires a graphical sensory-enhanced format [8]. In this sense, our government funded 3-year research project (2004 / 2007) 1 aims to demonstrate that the design of a hypermedia system should necessarily suit the purposes of usability by accommodating the particular learning needs, patterns and preferences of 3-6 year old children. Introduction Previous research [5] concludes that children can not properly master most technology presently on the market and that they are incapable of overcoming many usability obstacles in navigation, content, interaction, interface design, wording and the like. Departing from these premises, our proposal is based on the creation of an adaptive hypermedia system which properly adjusts to the learning suitability of young learners [3] and conveniently applies a set of various pedagogical aspects that have been taken into account in the design. - Knowledge, level and content - Interface design. - Tasks and games. All these aforementioned factors have been combined in this research project in order to provide adaptive hypermedia usability for language learning for specific users, namely youngsters in preschool. 1. Knowledge, level and content considerations in the design of AHS for children For the design of hypermedia activities according to children’s cognitive levels, at a preliminary stage, we directly approached three to five year-old children’s educational and social features in our region to cope with actual demands, needs, and preferences for learning. Such were observed, processed, and analysed in order to determine the type of suitable computer tool that may effectively adapt to educational traits and patterns at early age [7]. 1 This Research Project, entitled Hypermedia System Adapted on Linex for Language Learning and Research at early childhood, has been funded by the Junta de Extremadura, Consejería de Educación, Ciencia y Tecnología.