TY - JOUR
T1 - The role of visualization in learning from computer-based images
AU - Piburn, Michael D.
AU - Reynolds, Stephen
AU - McAuliffe, Carla
AU - Leedy, Debra E.
AU - Johnson, Julia K.
N1 - Funding Information:
This research has been supported by funds provided through NSF grant EAR-9907733.
PY - 2005/4/15
Y1 - 2005/4/15
N2 - Among the sciences, the practice of geology is especially visual. To assess the role of spatial ability in learning geology, we designed an experiment using: web-based versions of spatial visualization tests, (2) a geospatial test, and (3) multimedia instructional modules built around Quick Time Virtual Reality movies. Students in control and experimental sections were administered measures of spatial orientation and visualization, as well as a content-based geospatial examination. All subjects improved significantly in their scores on spatial visualization and the geospatial examination. There was no change in their scores on spatial orientation. A three-way analysis of variance, with the geospatial examination as the dependent variable, revealed significant main effects favoring the experimental group and a significant interaction between treatment and gender. These results demonstrate that spatial ability can be improved through instruction, that learning of geological content will improve as a result, and that differences in performance between the genders can be eliminated.
AB - Among the sciences, the practice of geology is especially visual. To assess the role of spatial ability in learning geology, we designed an experiment using: web-based versions of spatial visualization tests, (2) a geospatial test, and (3) multimedia instructional modules built around Quick Time Virtual Reality movies. Students in control and experimental sections were administered measures of spatial orientation and visualization, as well as a content-based geospatial examination. All subjects improved significantly in their scores on spatial visualization and the geospatial examination. There was no change in their scores on spatial orientation. A three-way analysis of variance, with the geospatial examination as the dependent variable, revealed significant main effects favoring the experimental group and a significant interaction between treatment and gender. These results demonstrate that spatial ability can be improved through instruction, that learning of geological content will improve as a result, and that differences in performance between the genders can be eliminated.
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U2 - 10.1080/09500690412331314478
DO - 10.1080/09500690412331314478
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:18644386789
SN - 0950-0693
VL - 27
SP - 513
EP - 527
JO - International Journal of Science Education
JF - International Journal of Science Education
IS - 5
ER -