Augmented Visual Perception: Interpreting Thermal Sensation With Innovative Technology

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: Technology as an Agent of Change in Teaching and Learning SIG Poster Session

Abstract

Thermal sensation, which refers to how humans intuitively perceive the temperature of objects, may mislead us to draw false conclusions. Our team has developed a smartphone application (i.e., SmartIR) to equip learners with spatial-, translational-, and temporal-augmented visual perception (AVP), to “see” heat transfer via infrared thermal imaging. The prediction-observation-explanation cycle was adopted to design corresponding student activities using SmartIR. Drawing from research on multiple representations, we investigated whether students use these AVP features to interpret their thermal sensation. We found that students used a higher percentage of AVP during the observation and explanation phases, indicating that these tools increased different venues to interpret abstract concepts and thermal sensation. Educational implications are discussed.

Authors

• Shannon H. Sung, Institute for Future Intelligence

• Xudong Huang, Concord Consortium

• Ji Shen, University of Miami

• Changzhao Wang, University of Miami

• Charles Xie, Concord Consortium

• Yifang Zeng, Texas Tech University

• Guanhua Chen, Concord Consortium