The document discusses various theories of learning that could apply to the design of computer-based visualization and animation tools for education. It mentions several theories including cognitive load theory, multiple representations, and situated cognition. It explores how educational technologies have evolved alongside developments in educational theory and cognitive psychology. It questions which theories are most relevant and how we can know which design approaches are most effective for helping students learn.

2. Multiple Representations What do students see? Google Images: “DNA”

6. Learning Paradigms (oversimplified) www.health-hacker.com/ Behaviorist (e.g. Skinner) vs Cognitivist vs Constructivist

7. Three Paradigms? Multiple theories? How many? Which one is right?

10. So many theories…why? What factors are important? Do kids and adults learn differently? Different traditions… Different methodologies… Who are these theorists?

11. Who is this man? “ ... People with great passions, people who accomplish great deeds, people who possess strong feelings, even people with great minds and a strong personality, rarely come out of good little boys and girls.” from Educational Psychology (a practical manual for teachers) http: //marxists . anu . edu .au/archive/vygotsky/ Lev Vygotsky (1926)

12. Knud Illeris - A Unified Concept for Theories of Learning?

13. Chemical Education Research Early work was based on cognitive theories that are still evolving and remain popular. Key concept: Working memory capacity

14. Alex Johnstone Journal of Chemical Education, March 1997 Cognitive Theory: Information Processing Model

17. Applied Cognitive Psychology - a Themed Issue “Emerging Topics in Cognitive Load Research: Using Learner and Information Characteristics in the Design of Powerful Learning Environments”

18. New Tools for Viz - e.g. Jmol “Virtual Museum of Minerals and Molecules” http://virtual-museum.soils.wisc.edu/displays.html

19. But is it truly interactive? How do students learn best with these new tools? Can learning theories help us to decide? Which one?

20. Google Search: “Dissolving NaCl” NCSSM: Flash Animation from North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics

21. Multimedia and Animations What do students see? Molecules? Ions? Colored balls? Does motion create understanding? How do we know?

22. Google Images: “NaCl dissolving”

23. Are we getting somewhere? Which animation is best? How much detail? How do we know?

24. What do students see? http://www.ccds.charlotte.nc.us/mackenzie/Chem/

25. NCSSM: www.dlt.ncssm.edu/TIGER/ and www.dlt.ncssm.edu/core/

26. Does “ Cognitive Load Theory” really work? Does it lead to better learning materials and more learning? Not everyone agrees…

27. “Representational Competence?” Tom Greenbowe Roy Tasker

28. Try “Multiple Representations!”

29. Google Scholar for References

30. Ainsworth

31. “ Multiple Representations” may yield better results… What about social interactions?

32. Collaborative Environments chemsense.org/about/papers.html

34. Alternate Perspectives: Philosophy of Science and Technology Studies Popper Kuhn

36. An unusual Gordon Conference is discussed at NSF in 2001 www.grc.org

37. 2007 GRC Viz Speaker: Donna Cox, NCSA & UIUC Artist & Computer Graphics Professor www.nsf.gov/news/mmg/ Visualization by Donna Cox, Robert Patterson, Stuart Levy, Matt Hall, Alex Betts, NCSA www.artn.com/NCSA/

38. Mt. Holyoke 2001 Oxford 2003, 2005 + 2009? Rhode Island 2007 + 2011? http://www.grc.org

39. Learn More Fast - Research Journals Ed. Technology Research & Development Journal of Science, Ed & Technology British Journal of Educational Technology Technology, Pedagogy and Education Canadian J of Learning Technology Computers & Human Behavior Learning, Media & Technology Learning & Instruction Cognition & Instruction Journal of Research in Science Teaching International Journal of Science Education Applied Cognitive Psychology Journal of the Learning Sciences Cognitive Science Liz Dorland Washington University in St. Louis [email_address]