The class site is organized as a reference site like most of the electronic archives are. Reference sites allows users to quickly acces the site, find what they want, and then print or download information. There is no "story" linking the different files, so paths are ussualy non-linear (training sites are mostly linear while educational sites are mainly non linear). Contact time is typically brief. Content and menu structure is organized to support fast search and retrieval and graphics are minimal to speed download times.
The first model launched was a single document home page containing all sections, without navigational links. It have had the advantage of downloading once and displaying all sections.
As students create new files in a rate of 5 new files per week, the single page model become inefficient. The document became to big and uncomfortable for scrolling. At this point self testing and feedback from users indicated the need to change the structure. The second model is a simple hierarchy of context-independent files with implicit navigational links.
The main interface problem in web sites is the lack of orientation within the local structure. Navigational links provide context. Consistent links help users to find what they are looking for without wasting time. Users can always return to the home page or to other major navigation points. These basic navigational links, are present on every page, creating a graphic identity that help users to know that they are still within the site.
Navigation is explicit when it indicate a path as home, back or next. It is implicit when links indicate a conceptual relationship as table of content links or concept definition links. A link may be understood as having a foot note function. Each link should serve a purpose, it may complete, reinforce, present an opposed idea, document or illustrate an issue in the current context.
If a document depends on the one before it, there is a need for a navigational link back, as in the case of this page. In a web-page based on readings, a link to the university main page or library can aid to the optimum use of each document.
The words linked are concepts, subjects or name of sites, not URL address nor terms alluding brousers as "click here". In a list of links, each one is supported by some extra text describing its content or its relation to the issue.