Compares the results of four studies made under the auspices of the Science Teacher Training in an Information Society (STTIS) project researching the difficulties students have in reading images. The studies are compared under such categories as pre-eminence of narrative readings, real-world versus symbolic elements, verbal elements, and…

Illustrates the use of a course focused on developing 3-D spatial skills at Michigan Technological University. Provides data to support the recommendation that some students take the spatial skills course before enrolling in the regular engineering graphics courses. (DDR)

Compiles observations from a multivariable calculus class in which computers were used extensively. Results show that visualization skills can be improved and that students use technology in very innovative ways. (Author/MM)

Investigates the effectiveness of using trimetric pictorials instead of isometric pictorials on the Purdue Spatial Visualization Test - Visualization of Rotations (Guay, 1977). Records student responses and response times as well as information on gender, current major, and number of previous graphics courses completed. (Contains 18 references.)…

Investigates the effects of different amounts of realism in visuals and the integration of rehearsal activity into visually-complemented prose instruction. Participants were 128 university students. Findings indicate that different levels of realism in visuals, and overt and covert rehearsal strategies are not equally effective in facilitating…

Presents and discusses examples that can be used to develop the concept of slope as a rate of change through three modes of learning: (1) visualization, (2) verbalization, and (3) symbolization. (ASK)

Develops and tests a function-based approach to algebra called the Visual Mathematics curriculum in grades 7-9. Presents a theoretical framework for a systemic investigation of the structures of algebra word problems and their relationship to function-based solutions. Suggests new insights into categorizing word problems. (Contains 19 references.)…

Explored the progress of 15 first-graders as they learned about baling hay via a mnemonic visualization process. Using an integrated picture and a meaningful organized explanation of the hay-baling process produced superior learning, compared with a control group's progress using conventional guided reading techniques. (MLH)

Explores the way children visualize three dimensional shapes. Uses nine assessment tasks involving three dimensional objects to evaluate children's abilities. Indicates that students' visualization ability can be determined and would be an important and essential element in any overall assessment of spatial development. (ASK)

Presents a proposed information environment (PROPIE) for enhanced interaction and value-adding of electronic documents that allows users multiple ways to query intuitively and navigate information in an electronic document. Highlights include user interface technologies; visualization and interactive techniques; query and browsing processes; and…

Describes the two-course engineering design graphics sequence on introductory design and graphics topics. The first course focuses on conceptual design and the development of visualization and sketching skills while the second one concentrates on detail design and parametric modeling. (Contains 28 references.) (Author/ASK)

LYDIAN is an environment to support the teaching and learning of distributed algorithms. It provides a collection of distributed algorithms as well as continuous animations. Users can combine algorithms and animations with arbitrary network structures defining the interconnection and behavior of the distributed algorithm. Further, it facilitates…

With both "Cabri" and "Autograph" now venturing into 3D, the dimension that previously was only demonstrated in the classroom with a lot of arm waving and crude wire cages can now be explored dynamically on screen. "Cabri 3D" concentrates on constructions, using the principles of Euclidian geometry, whereas "Autograph" creates objects using a…

Humans see whole objects from input fragmented in space and time, yet spatiotemporal object perception is poorly understood. The authors propose the theory of spatiotemporal relatability (STR), which describes the visual information and processes that allow visible fragments revealed at different times and places, due to motion and occlusion, to…

In these studies, a vegetable can containing fluid was swung as a pendulum by supporting its end-lips with a pair of knife edges. The motion was measured with a capacitive sensor and the logarithmic decrement in free decay was estimated from computer-collected records. Measurements performed with nine different homogeneous liquids, distributed…