The Role of Perceptual Richness of E-Books in Informal Evolution Learning (Poster 31)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Eight
  In Poster Session: Informal Learning Environments Research SIG Poster Presentation (Place-Based)

Abstract

Visualizations are common in formal and informal educational materials. Although prior work has examined how the perceptual features of visualization influence learning in formal settings, little work has examined this in informal settings. To examine this, we recruited 83 child-caregiver dyads to complete a two-session online study about how people learn about evolution. They were assigned to read either an e-book with either colorful drawings or black-and-white drawings that explained evolution through natural selection. Results show that children learned and generalized better with the colorful visualizations. Analyses of their interactions show parents were more likely to talk about the visualizations when they were black-and-white drawings. This study shows that the perceptual richness of visualization can influence informal science learning.

Author

• David Menendez, University of California - Santa Cruz
  Presenting Author