The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of computer animation technique on academic achievement of students in the "Solar System and Beyond" unit lecture as part of the Science and Technology course of the seventh grade in primary education. The sample of the study consists of 60 students attending to the 7th grade of primary school…

Textbook companies are increasingly including larger numbers of animations as complementary resources for students and teachers. Are all animations useful as teaching tools? The answer is no. Animations can be useful for communicating dynamic events and processes but only when specific rules are followed. The authors review the important…

This study investigated the usefulness of the many-facet Rasch model (MFRM) in evaluating the quality of performance related to PowerPoint presentations in higher education. The Rasch Model utilizes item response theory stating that the probability of a correct response to a test item/task depends largely on a single parameter, the ability of the…

The increasing complexity of human body models enabled by advances in diagnostic imaging, computing, and growing knowledge calls for the development of a new generation of systems for intelligent exploration of these models. Here, we introduce a novel paradigm for the exploration of digital body models illustrating cerebral vasculature. It enables…

Presents the results of a series of studies on the production, transformation, and interpretation of graphical representations from grade 8 to professional scientific practice in formal testing situations (inside) and in the course of field/laboratory work (outside). (Author/CCM)

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…

Discusses in detail the intricate and fascinating series of problems surrounding the production, distribution, and extended use of lessons in marine sciences that utilize remotely sensed images as the underlying medium of instruction. Focuses on computer-based learning activities because remotely sensed images are derived from the interpretation…

Today, although much debate surrounds the effectiveness of including graphics in Web-based distance education courses, most course authors agree that such courses should productively engage students so that quality of learning actually occurs. But what is productive engagement in a world of electronic communication and text? This paper offers a…

Discusses some of the attributes of effective tutorial software programs. Describes four science programs that focus on the physical and earth sciences, and highlights some of their features that are proposed as features of high-quality educational software. (TW)

The hardware and software system used to create the National Opinion Research Center/Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing (NORC/CRESST) item databases and test booklets for the 12th-grade science assessment are described. A general description of the capabilities of the system is given, with some specific information…

This report reviews four different computer systems that are available for educational use. Presented is a system overview, and the strengths and weaknesses of each of the following systems: PLATO, TERAK, Compucolor II, and PET. Each of these machines is included as a representative of a "class" of machines available to the educator.…