radtke@nprdc.navy.mil (Paul Radtke) (08/15/90)
Each year training and educational organizations spend millions of dollars on expensive audio-visual materials, including videotapes, videodiscs, animated computer-generated graphics, computer simulations, and most recently, multi-media presentations that incorporate all of the above. As the technology for producing this kind of material gets cheaper and easier to use, it will become easier to justify much greater use of visual learning strategies. Many educational reformers appear to think that the best way to teach today's students/employees is to inundate then with visual information and decrease the traditional emphasis on verbal materials (textbooks and lectures). The arguments for this approach appear to be combination of practical considerations (computers and VCRs don't get sick, 'burn out', or go on strike); facing reality (many people can't, or don't like to read); and pedagogic theory (people may learn some material better from visual media). My question is, what is the scientific basis for adopting a visual approach to teaching? Are there major limitations or tradeoffs that instructors should know about? Which kinds of content work well in this format? Which don't? Do people remember visual material better than equivelent verbal material? Do they learn more material, faster, or more accurately? Can they learn 'things' that they could not learn from traditional media; (e.g. global, holistic concepts)? Are there significant individual differences that might make a particular approach effective for some people but not for others? Please note that I am not asking to get into a debate over a particular medium or the value of interactive versus passive learning. I am most interested in any theoretical principles or solid empirical evidence that would guide someone who was designing a training course or curriculum. Comments, insights, and literature references welcomed. Thanks. ------------------------------------------------ Cross-posted to the following groups: comp.cog-eng comp.ivideodisc sci.psychology sci.research sci.edu sci.virtual-worlds misc.education: