Preparing for Future Learning with a Tangible User Interface: the Case of Neuroscience

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Abstract/Contents

Abstract
In this paper, we describe the development and evaluation of a microworld-based learning environment for neuroscience. Our system, BrainExplorer, allows students to discover the way neural pathways work by interacting with a tangible user interface. By severing and reconfiguring connections, users can observe how the visual field is impaired and thus actively learn from their exploration. An ecological evaluation of BrainExplorer revealed that 1) students who engaged in the open-ended exploration outperformed students who used traditional textbook materials and 2) correctly sequencing activities is fundamental for improving student performance. Participants who used the tabletop first and then studied a text significantly outperformed participants who read a text first and then used the tabletop. Additionally, those results were best predicted by the quality of students' verbalizations while using BrainExplorer. The implications of this study for preparing students for future learning with Tangible User Interfaces are discussed.

Description

Type of resource text
Date created 2013

Creators/Contributors

Author Schneider, Bertrand
Author Wallace, Jenelle
Author Blikstein, Paulo
Author Pea, Roy

Subjects

Subject Neuroscience
Subject User interfaces
Subject Materials
Subject Visualization
Subject Standards
Subject Educational institutions
Subject input devices and strategies
Subject Computer-assisted instruction
Subject education
Genre Article

Bibliographic information

Related Publication Schneider, B., Wallace, J., Blikstein, P., Pea, R. (2013). "Preparing for Future Learning with a Tangible User Interface: The Case of Neuroscience". IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies, 6(2): 117-129.
Related item
Location https://purl.stanford.edu/hv406ys6639

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License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 Unported license (CC BY-NC).

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Graduate School of Education Open Archive

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