| Title: | Quick Review of "Conceptualizing Astronomical Scale: Virtual Simulations on Handheld Tablet Computers Reverse Misconceptions" |
| Description: | This study examined how using two different ways of displaying the solar system—a true-to-scale mode vs. an orrery mode--affects students' knowledge of astronomical concepts. Solar system displays were presented in a software application on a handheld tablet computer. In a true-to-scale mode, users navigate a simulated three-dimensional solar system environment using a tablet's pinch-to-zoom touchscreen interface; this provides an accurate representation of sizes and distances of planetary bodies. The study authors reported that student gains in learning astronomical concepts, measured as the differences between pretest and posttest scores, were significantly larger when using the true-to-scale mode than when using an orrery mode. |
| Online Availability: | |
| Cover Date: | February 2014 |
| Web Release: | February 7, 2014 |
| Print Release: | February 6, 2014 |
| Publication #: | WWC QR2014230 General Ordering Information |
| Center/Program: | WWC |
| Associated Centers: | NCEE |
| Authors: | WWC |
| Type of Product: | Quick Review |
| Keywords: | |
| Questions: |
For questions about the content of this Quick Review, please contact: NCES WebMaster. |