Publikationen | Hochschule Flensburg

2021

Exploration vs. limitation – An investigation of instructional design techniques for spatial ability training on mobile devices

Montag, M., Bertel, S., de Koning, B. B., & Zander, S. (2021). Exploration vs. limitation – An investigation of instructional design techniques for spatial ability training on mobile devices. Computers In Human Behavior, 118, 106678. http://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2020.106678

Abstract

Spatial abilities and thus mental rotation skills predict achievement in STEM domains. Thus, a wide range of studies investigated the possibilities and trainings of mental rotation skills. One prominent approach is using different digital tools and representation formats to foster spatial abilities. Thereby numerous studies analyzed effects of static in comparison to interactive dynamic representations of mental rotation tasks using different types of interactions. Although the use of dynamic representations is discussed critical regarding superficial information processing, there are no studies to date varying instructional techniques in interactive dynamic spatial trainings. In two studies we compared Limited Rotation training to non-limited Free Rotation training with high school students (Npilot = 21, Nmain = 66). Results after training show a superior effect of the limited compared to the non-limited training regarding the students’ success rate, but not their motivation and mental demand. Additionally analyzed process data show more efficient ways of task solving after limited rotation training indicated by reduced response time and rotation way accompanied by higher success rates in solving non-limited rotation tasks. Results of a pre-and-post-comparison of mental rotation skills indicate a higher increment after limited rotation training. Over-facilitating effects of dynamic representations are discussed.

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2020

Comparing Eye Movements Between Physical Rotation Interaction Techniques

Bertel, S., & Wetzel, S. (2020). Comparing Eye Movements Between Physical Rotation Interaction Techniques. In ACM Symposium on Eye Tracking Research and Applications. New York, NY, USA: Association for Computing Machinery. http://doi.org/10.1145/3379156.3391355

Abstract

Recent studies have shown a number of procedural similarities between solving problems in mental and in physical rotation. Such similarities open up the interesting option to study mental rotation indirectly through physical rotation, with the advantage that physical rotation processes can be much more easily observed than mental ones. To better assess where solution processes in mental and physical rotation differ, though, it is important to know what influence any specific interaction method in physical rotation will have. We present results from a comparison of two such interaction methods: a one-handed, touch-based and a two-handed, ball-based method. Our analysis focuses on fixation durations and saccade amplitudes as proxies for mental load. Results show, importantly, that the choice of interaction method seems to matter but little. We therefore suggest that the existing findings of past studies that have compared mental to physical rotation are likely highly comparable, despite the fact that different interaction techniques were used.