Evaluation of Static Vs. Dynamic Visualizations for Engineering Technology Students and Implications on Spatial Visualization Ability: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Authors

  • Dr. Petros Katsioloudis Old Dominion University
  • Dr. Daniel Dickerson Old Dominion University
  • Dr. Vukica Jovanovic Old Dominion University
  • Mildred Jones Old Dominion University

Abstract

The benefit of using static versus dynamic visualizations is a controversial one. Few studies have explored the effectiveness of static visualizations to those of dynamic visualizations, and the current state of the literature remains somewhat unclear. During the last decade there has been a lengthy debate about the opportunities for using animation in learning and instruction. More specifically it has been shown that dynamic visualizations often provide no advantages over static visualizations. If they had shown advantages, it was due to the fact that more information was available in the animated than in the static version. Given this result, the focus turned to the question of when dynamic displays are more effective in learning than static ones.  For this study, the following was the primary research question: Is there a difference in spatial visualization ability, as measured through technical     drawings, among the impacts of static vs. dynamic visualizations for engineering technology students?

Author Biographies

Dr. Petros Katsioloudis, Old Dominion University

Dr. Petros J. Katsioloudis is an Associate Professor and the Industrial Technology Program Leader, Department of STEM Education and Professional Studies, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA. His research focuses on improving teacher and student performance in STEM education, and enhancing the development of a national STEM-educated workforce.

Email: pkatsiol@odu.edu 

Dr. Daniel Dickerson, Old Dominion University

DANIEL DICKERSON, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Science Education in the Department of STEM Education and Professional Studies at Old Dominion University.  His research focuses on the teaching and learning of earth and environmental science content, environmental education, and STEM instruction. He is a former high school earth science teacher who has served as PI, Co-PI, or Evaluator on NOAA, NSF, US Department of Education, IMLS, state, and foundation funded projects.

Dr. Vukica Jovanovic, Old Dominion University

Dr. Jovanovic received dipl.ing. degree in Industrial Engineering, Area of Specialization in Robotics, Mechatronics and Automation from University of Novi Sad, Serbia. She graduated with her M.Sc. (Magistar) degree at the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, specialization area in Production Systems Design. She received a PhD in Technology while working as a PhD student in Center for Advanced Manufacturing, Product Lifecycle Management Center of Excellence at Purdue University. Dr. Jovanovic is currently serving as Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Technology Department, Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA. She is teaching classes in the area of mechatronics, computer aided modeling and computer integrated manufacturing. She is serving as a IEEE Car Team co-adviser.

Mildred Jones, Old Dominion University

STEM Education Graduate Student

Published

2015-05-16

Issue

Section

Feature Articles