To build knowledge, separate yet related learning episodes can be integrated with one another and then used to derive new knowledge. Separate episodes are often experienced through different formats, such as text passages and graphic representations. Accordingly, in the present research, we tested integration of learning episodes provided through…

With the increasing educational and institutional legitimacy afforded to multimodal texts, there is a need to further explore the use of the visual and its place in reader response, not only as a textual means to prompt interpretation but also as a form of interpretation itself. In this paper, I look at the multimodal interpretive practices of one…

Computer animation in the past decade has become one of the most noticeable features of technology-based learning environments. By its definition, it refers to simulated motion pictures showing movement of drawn objects, and is often defined as the art in movement. Its educational application known as educational computer animation is considered…

States that key aspects of "memoria," the ancient Art of Memory, especially its focus on vivid representational images set against distinct backgrounds, can be helpful in creating memorable, universal, and easily retrievable computer icons. (PA)

Evidence from recent experiments that monitored attention in clipart scenes during spoken comprehension suggests that people preferably rely on non-stereotypical depicted events over stereotypical thematic knowledge for incremental interpretation. "The Coordinated Interplay Account [Knoeferle, P., & Crocker, M. W. (2006). "The coordinated…

The effects of realism on child and adult memory for computergraphics were examined. Recognition of images showed an unusual pattern of decline over time with the initial advantage for realistic and abstract computergraphics disappearing at a week's delay, while recognition for linear image was superior to that of realistic and abstract.…

Arguing that a well designed graphical display can function as a memory store, this article suggests three principles for the design and use of computer graphics: parsimony, accessibility, and reflection. It is suggested that "progressive graphics" are particularly suited to computer implementation. (Author/MBR)

In preparation for a study of using interactive computer graphics for training, some current theorizing about internal and external, digital and analog representational systems are reviewed. The possibility is considered that there are two, overlapping, internal, analog representational systems, one for organismic states and the other for external…

Focuses on five human information processing abilities which cognitive psychologists anticipate must be accounted for in order to develop good computer courseware--memory and attention; language or text characteristics; graphics and visual processing; cognitive characteristics of user; feedback to users. A 31-item bibliography is included. (EJS)

A battery of Graphic Information Processing Tests (GRIP) was developed to utilize the display characteristics of computer terminals in measuring abilities important for processing visually presented information. The tests were found to be useful for measuring short-term memory and sequential reasoning abilities. (Author/RC)

This study defined a type of information-processing task analysis and an index relating different instructional sequences to this analysis. One hundred sixty-four college students were taught, with computer-assisted instruction, an imaginary science by various instructional sequences or by selecting their own sequence. A program-controlled…

Describes a series of microcomputer-based laboratory exercises that are designed to assist undergraduate students in acquiring basic psychological concepts in memory retention. Mnemonics used in the exercises are explained, and computer-generated tabular and graphic displays designed for use in classroom demonstrations are described. (Author/LRW)

This study investigates whether color and background information in motion visuals have different effects on memory and comprehension of students in various grade levels. A three-by-three factorial pretest-posttest design was used, comparing levels of visual complexity and grade levels. The instructional content was a 12-minute computer animation…

Forty undergraduate college students participated in a computer-assisted instructional study designed to utilize right cerebral hemisphere functions in the learning and memory process. Two versions of a lesson on how a simple battery works were designed to present conceptual and topographic information either verbally or pictorially on a Plato IV…

Ten ways to design an effective Human-Computer Interface are explained. Highlights include material delivery that relates to user knowledge; appropriate screen presentations; attention value versus learning and recall; the relationship of packaging and message; the effectiveness of visuals and text; the use of color to enhance communication; the…