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Design Factors for Effective Science Simulations: Representation of Information
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Author(s): Jan L. Plass (New York University, USA), Bruce D. Homer (CUNY, USA), Catherine Milne (New York University, USA), Trace Jordan (New York University, USA), Slava Kalyuga (University of New South Wales, Australia), Minchi Kim (Purdue University, USA)and Hyunjeong Lee (University of Seoul, Korea)
Copyright: 2011
Pages: 20
Source title:
Discoveries in Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations: New Interdisciplinary Applications
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Richard E. Ferdig (Kent State University, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60960-565-0.ch002
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Abstract
We argue that the effectiveness of simulations for science education depends on design features such as the type of representation chosen to depict key concepts. We hypothesize that the addition of iconic representations to simulations can help novice learners interpret the visual simulation interface and improve cognitive learning outcomes as well as learners’ self-efficacy. This hypothesis was tested in two experiments with high school chemistry students. The studies examined the effects of representation type (symbolic versus iconic), prior knowledge, and spatial ability on comprehension, knowledge transfer, and self-efficacy under low cognitive load (Study 1, N=80) and high cognitive load conditions (Study 2, N=91). Results supported our hypotheses that design features such as the addition of iconic representations can help scaffold students’ comprehension of science simulations, and that this effect was strongest for learners with low prior knowledge. Adding icons also improved learners’ general self-efficacy.
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