Previous studies have shown that students learn better from an online lesson when a gesturing pedagogical agent is added (Mayer & DaPra, 2012; Wang, Li, Mayer, & Liu, 2018). The goal of this study is to pinpoint which aspect of a gesturing pedagogical agent causes an improvement in learning from an online lesson. College students learned…

Four experiments involving 180 undergraduates evaluated the effectiveness of computer graphics in improving estimates for algebra word problems. Variations in the simulation resulted in successful and unsuccessful programs as measured by the frequency with which students improved their estimates. Quality of feedback to students while learning is…

The effectiveness of the SCHOLAR computer-assisted instruction system was compared with: (1) the interactive map display of Map-SCHOLAR; (2) a static labeled map; and (3) an unlabeled map. Students learned significantly more with the interactive map display than with either of the other maps. A new method, backtrace analysis, was used to assess…

Effects of animated presentations and practice were studied in a computer-based science lesson involving 55 fourth graders and 64 fifth graders. Results suggest that animated graphics can promote learning, and they demonstrate successful application of interactive graphics in the design of cognitively based practice activities. (SLD)