An incoherent visualization is when aspects of different senses of a word (e.g., the biological "mouse" vs. the computer "mouse") are present in the same visualization (e.g., a visualization of a biological mouse in the same image with a computer tower). We describe and implement a new model of creating contextual coherence in…

Torsional effects influence kinetic selectivity in a wide range of organic transformations. As such, textbooks commonly use Newman projections to illustrate the torsional effects that arise in their transition states. Unfortunately, these representations fall short when the reaction occurs "within a ring." In many cases, the torsional…

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the type and accuracy of the visual representations that the pre-service teachers generate in the pedagogical solution of the word problems. The data on participants' spatial competence levels were obtained through Purdue Spatial Visualization Test and the data on the type of visual representations were…

The present study examined the activation of imaginal information on true and false memories. We asked whether forming mental images would lead to increases in true and false memories relative to a control group that did not form images. Participants in both groups studied 288 unrelated concrete objects, in which some of the objects were presented…

Virtual reality applications turn abstract concepts into experienceable phenomena and present exciting opportunities to transform science education and public outreach practices. While research has started to look into the affordances of virtual reality (VR) in the formal science education context, the potential of these technologies to enhance…

In this research we investigate how mathematics teachers, as graduate students, estimate the value of [pi] by exploring the problem of "squaring the circle" using digital technology. Initially, we mention some aspects of teaching and learning of calculus in the literature, emphasizing studies that use the notion of humans-with-media to…

This article shares two activities geared toward students in middle school that engage students in analyzing measures of center, specifically the arithmetic mean, and using transnumerative thinking with the ultimate goal of improving students' statistical literacy. Both activities support the Common Core standard, 6.SP.B.5 "Summarize and…

Visualization can be a motivating way to teach students about molecules. Nowadays, the available experimental data and accurate computational results allow students to build realistic and accurate molecular models. These models include the representation of complex systems such as proteins, membranes, or nanotubes. However, the visualization of…

Virtual reality recently expanded to collaborative and social networking environments where users interact with virtual characters (VCs) of various appearances and behaviors, often impacting the quality of experience. In this paper, we present preliminary survey results of perceptions about characteristics of VCs and a user study of a VR lecture…

Ariadne is a touch-based program for the learning of homotopies of paths, without the use of formalism, by building mental models. Using Ariadne, the user can construct points, paths by dragging points and homotopies by dragging paths as well as compute winding numbers of paths, all on a variety of surfaces, through touch gestures. Ariadne…

Computer-aided visualization provides meaningful insight into geography teaching, which helps improve comprehension. With dynamic geometry software (DGS), a teacher can easily create interactive mathematical learning materials. To fully benefit from DGS applied to subjects other than mathematics, their functionality must be extended with features…

Research suggests that spatial ability may predict success in complex disciplines including anatomy, where mastery requires a firm understanding of the intricate relationships occurring along the course of veins, arteries, and nerves, as they traverse through and around bones, muscles, and organs. Debate exists on the malleability of spatial…

Spatial researchers have been arguing over the optimum cognitive strategy for spatial problem-solving for several decades. The current article aims to shift this debate from strategy dichotomies to strategy flexibility--a cognitive process, which although alluded to in spatial research, presents practical methodological challenges to empirical…

The purpose of this study is to discuss the effects of visuals, visual literacy, visualization and multimedia design strategies using instructional design (ID) models for developing projects in education and science education, as well as engineering education. This study discusses and presents ways to evaluate visuals, visualization, and virtual…

Learning analytics (LA) constitutes a key opportunity to support learning design (LD) in blended learning environments. However, details as to how LA supports LD in practice and information on teacher experiences with LA are limited. This study explores the potential of LA to inform LD based on a one-semester undergraduate blended learning course…