The present investigation was designed to determine if the learning benefits of metaphors and graphics could be combined into one instructional device--a metaphorical graphic--to aid in the acquisition of difficult concepts of chemistry. The authors further sought to determine if metaphorical graphics could foster greater retention of the basic…

The paper presents a theoretical framework addressing three aspects of embodied pedagogical agents: visual static appearance, pedagogical role, and communicative style. The framework is then applied to a user study where 90 school children (aged 12-15) in a dummy multimedia program were presented with either an instructor or a learning companion…

This study investigates the effect of computer animation on assessment and the conditions under which animation may improve or hinder assessment of conceptual understanding in physics. An instrument was developed by replacing static pictures and descriptions of motion with computer animations on the Force Concept Inventory, a commonly used pencil…

Examines the effectiveness of visual illustrations in computer-based education, the effect of order of visual presentation, and whether screen design affects students' use of graphics and text. Results indicate that order of presentation and choice of review did not influence student achievement; however, when given a choice, students selected the…

This article discusses using individualized multimedia activity schedules as a technology-based instruction for young children with autism. The schedules serve as cues that can help students prepare for transitioning to between school activities. The benefits of using Microsoft PowerPoint in the classroom are described, along with implementation…

The effects of visual grouping strategies involving animated and static graphic presentations on learning were studied. Also studied was the ability of students to learn a scientific rule presented incidentally in an animated sequence in the hope of replicating results from previous research. A total of 39 fourth graders participated in an…

The goal of this document is to bring instruction in graphic design to the presentation of information in all subject areas and to encourage educators to embrace graphic design as a powerful tool for accomplishing the daily task of communicating information and ideas to students. The document uses activities to reinforce the concepts discussed in…

When competing with mass media and other forms of information delivery, a verbal lecture does not have enough sensory impression. What students read in a passive framework is barely remembered, less so in pre-examination cramming. Weaker students have difficulties in reading, most notably with abstract and mathematical concepts. These problems are…

The effect of an imagery cue and an attention-directing strategy within the context of a microcomputer learning environment was studied using 180 Ohio State University freshmen. The environment provided both self-paced and externally paced instruction. It appears that the attention strategy and embedding of an imagery cue increased students'…

Investigates the effects of two instructional strategies, visual display (animation, and static graphics with and without motion cues) and contextual presentation, in the acquisition of electronic troubleshooting skills using computer-based instruction. Study concludes that use of visual displays and contextual presentation be based on the…

The purpose of this study was to explore how adult users interact and learn during a computer-based simulation given visual and verbal forms of feedback coupled with embedded elaborations of the content. A total of 52 college students interacted with a computer-based simulation of Newton's laws of motion in which they had control over the motion…

Examined how exposure to a program of fractal computer graphics affected the perceptual sensitivity of sixth-grade students (n=197) to the natural visual environment. MANCOVA analysis of collected data and students' written responses to questions indicated that environmental perceptual sensitivity was higher for subjects exposed to fractal images.…

This paper discusses how presentation software can be used to design custom materials for a variety of people with special needs, including children and adults with low vision, people with developmental disabilities, and stroke patients with cognitive impairments. Benefits of using presentation software include: (1) presentation software gives the…

The effects of different types of feedback in computer assisted instruction were studied in 30 college students with different cognitive styles. The program, written in Apple Pilot and administered on an Apple IIE microcomputer, consisted of 16 problem solving tasks; for each, a graphic display and a textual question were presented. Two feedback…