Hypermedia projects combine multimedia and hypertext to provide non-linear access to information. They have two key components - a database of linked multimedia information elements, and navigation methods to access this information.
Hypermedia is intended to facilitate learning through exploration, motivation and interaction. It supports learning strategies through features that encourage metacognition, searching, orientation, encoding, recall and knowledge application. However, it also risks superficial learning if not carefully guided.
Both advantages and disadvantages exist. Advantages include flexible access to related materials, but disadvantages include potential for disorientation and shallow understanding if not properly structured to support the intended purpose. Careful design and guidance are needed to realize hypermedia's educational benefits.