The Program of Systematic Evaluation (PSE), which began as an attempt to explore the instructional dimensions of multimedia, has evolved into the most comprehensive set of experimental multimedia studies exploring the varied dimensions of cognitive load theory as they relate to the design of effective and efficient visual learning environments for…

Description of ways in which computers might be used to teach visual concepts discusses hypermedia systems; describes computer-generated tutorials; explains the use of computers to create learning aids such as concept maps, feature spaces, and structural models; and gives examples of visual concept teaching in medical education. (10 references)…

Visual reasoning is an essential skill for engineers. This article describes an interactive multimedia application (Visual Reasoning Tutor) that provides a foundation in visual reasoning by exploiting the missing view problem. Presents an overview of system components, a complete sample exercise, and test results for several prototypes used in…

Describes a study of undergraduates that enhanced a hypertext environment with a graphical overview that represented the basic domain structure and designed the layout so learners were unobtrusively encouraged to follow a sequence of exploration that followed the domain structure. Results indicated that a visual display conveys knowledge in its…

Investigates the effects of two hypermedia interface design strategies on learner efficiency, perceptions of usability, and performance. Compares undergraduate student outcomes of comprehending and locating information by using manual and visual filtering via computers. Findings support the use of these filtering tools as methods of increasing…

This paper examines the effect of applying symbolic computation and graphics to enhance students' ability to move from a visual interpretation of mathematical concepts to formal reasoning. The mathematics topics involved, Approximation and Interpolation, were taught according to their historical development, and the students tried to follow the…

The interactive multimedia application described here attempts to provide learners and teachers with a common frame of reference for communicating about visual media. The system is based on a list of concepts related to composition, and illustrates those concepts with photographs, paintings, graphic designs, and motion picture scenes. The ability…

This report reflects research and development on visualization and the use of multimedia carried out at the Department of Applied Education, Division of Instrumental Science and Technology of the University of Twente (Netherlands) and the Andersen Consulting Educational Computing Consortium, also at the University of Twente. The report contains 11…

This paper reviews research indicating that children use images to improve comprehension and production of text; argues that images and sounds can effectively bring children's cultures into the classroom; and studies how eight elementary children used a multimedia composing environment, focusing on the nature of their preferred symbol systems and…

Current issues in educational communications and technology are addressed in this collection of 47 conference papers in which research reports predominate. Topics discussed include factors related to the learner, e.g., learning strategies, information processing, spatial ability, cognitive style, and cognitive strategies. Presentation format and…

This volume contains 53 articles grouped under five headings: (1) Research (14 papers on such topics as cognitive style and cognitive strategies, visual literacy training, and the impact of diagrams, type styles, and computer graphics on learning); (2) Theory (nine papers on such topics as the development of visual literacy concepts, cognition and…

This study investigates children's spatial cognition in the microcomputer environment created by "HyperGami." Two categories of spatial cognition have been described: spatial visualization, which involves mentally rotating, manipulating and twisting two- and three-dimensional objects; and spatial orientation, which involves the ability…

This paper highlights how introductory textbooks on Egyptian art inhibit understanding by reinforcing student preconceptions, and demonstrates another approach to discussing space with a classroom exercise and software. The alternative approach, an active model for spatial representation, introduced here was developed by adapting classroom…

This paper reviews the literature on the relevance of learner characteristics and learning styles when planning law school courses, focusing on the instructional delivery methods and teaching techniques applicable to law school courses. It examines the four major learning modalities: kinesthetic, tactual, auditory, and visual; and the four major…

This document contains selected papers from the 25th annual conference of the International Visual Literacy Association (IVLA). Topics addressed in the papers include the following: visual literacy; graphic information in research and education; evaluation criteria for instructional media; understanding symbols in business presentations;…