This article describes cross-cultural research on the relation between how people conceptualize nature and how they act in it. Mental models of nature differ dramatically among populations living in the same area and engaged in similar activities. This has novel implications for environmental decision making and management, including commons…

Passive students staring blankly at computer screens has been a worrisome image for many educators. Often they fear that technology can remove students from contact with the real world. Two technologies that have been in general use for many years, but are more recently appearing in the educational sector, provide the opportunity to reap the…

The continuous technological progress of the past few decades affords a different orientation to the teaching-learning process, which is useful and advantageous when mathematical concepts are transmitted. This article pursues two different aims. The first one is to examine the present state of the traditional process in relation to the concepts of…

Replicated a study to determine if a sex difference in spatial visualization ability exists among grade six students verging on adolescence and if instruction differentially affects boys/girls at this age. Although instruction significantly affected boys/girls in grades seven to eight, current results do not support the same interaction among…

Applies principles of constructivism and virtual reality (VR) to computer-aided design (CAD) curriculum, particularly engineering, by integrating network, VR and CAD technologies into a Web-based learning environment that expands traditional two-dimensional computer graphics into a three-dimensional real-time simulation that enhances user…

Suggests ways to increase creativity in individuals and in team members who are involved with developing video productions. Topics discussed include freedom of expression; setting goals and objectives; visualization; laser video discs; instant cameras; the function of evaluation; and the impact of technological developments on audience…

For three biology professors, visualizing molecular processes is central to thinking in their discipline. This chapter reports their attempts at getting students to make this same cognitive move and the results of their assessments. (Contains 2 figures.)

The STArt! teaching Science Through Art program was developed to help both students and teachers address the new California Science Content standards. An initial presentation of program introduces molecular visualization using narrative discussions, handheld models, visualization software and art workshops and it also emphasize low-cost materials,…

Research has shown that technology-enhanced visualizations can improve inquiry learning in science when they are designed to support knowledge integration. Visualizations play an especially important role in supporting science learning at elementary and middle school levels because they can make unseen and complex processes visible. We identify 4…

This article describes how an interdisciplinary science class uses visuals in ways that can be adapted across disciplines and academic levels. The key to the use of visuals is that they are integral to the learning of the students, whether we begin with visuals to improve writing and thinking or use written texts as the basis for visual…

A pioneer program in computer graphics was implemented at Parkland College (Illinois) to meet the demand for specialized technicians to visualize data generated on high performance computers. In summer 1989, 23 students were accepted into the pilot program. Courses included C programming, calculus and analytic geometry, computer graphics, and…

A program for teaching children and adults the thinking skills most important in everyday life is described. This program, which has been tried out and evaluated in the United States, France, Germany, England, Australia, Japan, and Israel, is needed in every school and community as a "gymnasium for the mind," to help people fully use their natural…

Emphasizes the importance of imagination in scientific discovery and science education and identifies three processes which increase the richness of the visualization experience: relaxing, concentrating, and seeing. Suggests topics for guided experiences and example models for earth/space, life, and physical sciences. (DC)

Multimedia technology is an invaluable teaching and learning resource. One advantage of technology based education is the ability to combine practical applications, visualization of complex mathematical and abstract subjects, virtual labs, and guided use of simulation software. This article describes several multimedia tutorials for…

Describes scientific animation workstations, i.e., computer systems with visualization programing environments that were developed by the Electronic Visualization Laboratory (EVL) at the University of Illinois, Chicago. The need for visual communication between teachers, students, and scientists is discussed; networking, or televisualization, is…