A two-process model of infant visual attention is constructed based on research using the modified Berlyne technique with three- to five-month olds. The length of time an infant fixated a pattern was examined along with what caused him to turn to the pattern at all. The study was based both on a re-examination of previous research and on new…

"Mental modeling" refers to a student's ability to visualize or comprehend the information research process. This article reviews 50 years of changing conceptions of how we learn: behaviorist, cognitivist, and constructivist perspective; describes the application of three "mental models" to interactive technology; and discusses…

Describes shortcomings of computer science/engineering education and explains a new focus on informatics. Highlights include simulation, visualization, algorithmization, design of information processing models, parallel computing, a history of informatics, informatics versus physics and mathematics, and implications for education. (51 references)…

Provides a background on the use of the digital computer to support visualization in scientific computing (scientific visualization). Includes an example of scientific and nonscientific visualization. Reviews both scientific and other visualization research literature; development; and applications organized around a model of visualization…

The relationship of aptitude, strategy, and cognitive task performance is explored through the use of mathematical models of performance time. Models of strategy and strategy-shifting on a spatial visualization task were tested individually for 30 male high school and college subjects. For each of three successive task steps (encoding,…

Strategic differences in spatial tasks are explained in terms of different cognitive coordinate systems that subjects adopt such as standard versus arbitrary, task-defined axes. A theoretical account of mental rotation of individuals of low and high spatial ability solving problems from psychometric tests is instantiated as computer simulation…

Art provides students a way to visually represent their scientific knowledge and at the same time helps teachers assess student understanding. Examining a drawing allows teachers to scrutinize students' mental model of a science concept. Science can be described as a continuing process of discovering the order and recurring patterns in nature;…

Despite a long tradition, conventional anatomy education based on dissection is declining. This study tested a new virtual reality (VR) technique for anatomy learning based on virtual contrast injection. The aim was to assess whether students value this new three-dimensional (3D) visualization method as a learning tool and what value they gain…

Determined the factor structure of tasks which require students to visualize how diagrams should be drawn to represent effects of rotating three-dimensional structures about the three Cartesian axes. Results obtained from 149 English and 231 Singapore students show that visualization about X-, Y-, and Z-axes are factorially distinct. (DH)

The Telemakus System builds on the areas of concept representation, schema theory, and information visualization to enhance knowledge discovery from scientific literature. This article describes the underlying theories and an overview of a working implementation designed to enhance the knowledge discovery process through retrieval, visual and…

A model is proposed for the influence of individual differences on performance when computer-based technology is introduced. The primary cognitive factor driving differences in performance is spatial visualization ability. Four techniques for mitigating the negative impact of low spatial visualization are discussed: spatial metaphors, graphical…

Argues that information science is the interface between people and literatures. Presents recent models of literatures that offer visual cues to relationships among writings that often are based on term occurrences/co-occurrences. Deals with online and offline visualizations and gives a critique of visualization research. Contains 240 references.…

Based on his interactive visualization Web site, the author explores the Web as a tool to build better metaphors for students and emphasizes the pedagogical power of the medium, which, he asserts, remains largely untapped. Discussion includes the use of temporal, special, and parametric process models to increase the pedagogical value of teaching…

This article considers the use of a learning environment, RoboCell, where manipulations of objects are performed by robot operations specified through the learner's application of mathematical and spatial reasoning. A curriculum is proposed relating to robot kinematics and point-to-point motion, rotation of objects, and robotic assembly of spatial…

The brain works by making patterns, and this process can be visualized through a medium called visual tools. The book discusses three types of visual tools: brainstorming webs, task-specific organizers, and thinking-process maps. Sample lessons, assessments, and descriptions of visual tools in action are included. Emphasis is placed on the…