Argues that there is a whole class of physiological topics that are best taught using dynamic diagrams, a series of diagrams generated through simple animations and based on user-provided inputs. Uses the theory of neural generation as an example. (DDR)

This investigation of the encoding features of graphs begins with a description of a cognitive framework which allows designers to factor into the process of designing displays how people interpret the information found and what display properties are responsible for this interpretation. The framework also provides a performance measure for use in…

Ray tracing is a method that allows the creation of photo-realistic images on a computer. This article describes a shareware ray tracing program called PovRay and includes some ideas on how PovRay can be used in teaching and in 3-D geometry, physics, and other high school and university subjects. (Author/AIM)

Using computer graphics such as drawings, charts, and figures in textual instruction can enhance learning by providing a spatial concept of what is being read. It is important for instructional designers to determine the specific instructional objectives to be met, what level of comprehension they want learners to achieve, and how to use the…

The MARIE project explores knowledge-based information retrieval of captioned images of the kind found in picture libraries and on the Internet. MARIE's five-part approach exploits the idea that images are easier to understand with context, especially descriptive text near them, but it also does image analysis. Experiments show MARIE prototypes…

Identifies conceptions that students have with regard to the construction of graphs representing everyday situations in a computer learning environment using a GRAPHIC plotter, and examines the resistance of alternative conceptions to formal instruction. Following instruction, no significant improvement in students' performance was observed.…

This paper extends work on the construction of instructional modules that use graphical and simulation techniques for teaching statistical concepts (Marasinghe, et al. 1996; Iversen and Marasinghe 2001). These modules consist of two components: a software part and a lesson part. A computer program written in LISP-STAT with a highly interactive…

This ERIC Digest discusses concept mapping, a technique for representing the structure of information visually. Concept mapping can be used to brainstorm, design complex structures, communicate complex ideas, aid learning by explicitly integrating new and old knowledge, and assess understanding or diagnose misunderstanding. Visual representation…

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the effects of different types of visual illustrations on learner's learning interest, motivation and achievement, especially in multimedia learning. The participants were drawn from two classes of an "Introduction to Educational Technology" course and randomly assigned to one of the three…

The use of computer graphics techniques in a study of attrition at the University of Akron is outlined to illustrate potential applications. The techniques produce information that is more readily interpreted than the usual data tables. Specific software information and illustrations are included. (MSE)

Describes three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) models for every component in a representative mechanical system; the CAD models made it easy to generate 3-D animations that are ideal for teaching perceptual skills in multimedia computer-based technical training. Fifteen illustrations are provided. (AEF)

Finding information on the Web without encountering numerous false positives poses a challenge to multimedia information retrieval systems (MMIR). This research focuses on improving precision and recall in an MMIR system by interactively combining text processing with image processing in both the indexing and retrieval phases. A picture search…

Look no further than to the popularity of C-SPAN's annual video documentary competition for middle and high schoolers, and it's obvious that video editing, and the technology that comes with it, is important to today's students. In the past it was a complex, involved, and expensive process. Video editing is now within the reach of anybody with a…

The use of computer graphics as visual aids to lecture-style university instruction is discussed briefly. It is contended that the following three factors inhibit the application of computers as visual aids: (1) the costs of providing sufficient numbers of monitors and large enough monitors to allow appropriate visual access by students are…