Monday, March 19, 2007

Reflection on lesson 3



Reflection on lesson 3:
According to the Powerpoint (Session three), “We can present a lot of information in a small screen space, communicate complex ideas through visual simplicity.”
In lesson three, Professor introduces many visualization examples.


Here are the interesting examples:
1. Interactive Pictures:
http://interact10ways.com/usa/information_interactive.htm
In this website, we can view many colourful pictures interactively. When the readers click one picture, many related colourful pictures will appear. It is a good and interesting experience.

2. BBC News (Urban Growth):
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/world/06/urbanisation/html/urbanisation.stm
This visual information is presented by a rectangular maps of the Earth with Flash. Readers can easily find the specific countries in the map.

3. Market Map: http://www.smartmoney.com/marketmap/
Very attractive and powerful Flash.

4. Intentional Information Search: http://www.grokker.com/
The searching engine was developed by Groxis, Inc. which was founded in 2001, by a team of experienced executives and distinguished directors. The website enables information management and communication in our life. This visualization maximized the value of information assets for enterprises, content publishers, libraries and research-intensive organizations.

Reflection on Learning object:
According to Dr Daniel, “ A learning object is best described as a representation designed to be reused in different educational contexts.” Learning objects are involved in educational activities, especially teachers and students. Professor introduced many examples of various learning objects in the lesson. Here are the good examples of learning object:


1. Native Australian Animals
2. Language Dictionary Food
3. Moon Phases
4. Impact of Air pollution


For more information, please go to

http://www.learnactivity.com/lo/


What I have learnt from lesson 3:
Major Points:
1. Information Visualization is a process of transforming data and information into a visual form allowing someone to explore.

2. We can present a lot of information in a small screen space, communicate complex ideas through visual simplicity…

3. Information visualization examples: Intentional Information Search.

4. A learning object is best described as a representation designed to be reused in different educational contexts.

"Learning objects might reside in digital repositories, ready to be located and utilized by those involved in educational activities ."

They address:
(a) key concepts from disciplines, in visual and often interactive ways not permitted with previous technologies, for sharing of socio-historical heritage of humanity
(b) information and data that can be useful in the context of developing disciplinary-specific thinking, culture of practice, spirit of inquiry, theoretical knowledge and information work
(c) presentation of small, instructional sequences and demonstrations delivering encapsulated descriptions of some aspects of subject matter which can support learning processes by providing “just-in-time” information
(d) simulations of key equipment, tools and processes from a discipline to enable development of deep understanding of artifacts used in a culture of practice. (Danchill, 2006)

More information visualization examples:



http://interact10ways.com/usa/information_interactive.htm



http://www.smartmoney.com/marketmap/



http://www.textarc.org/



They are very interesting and funny. Please visit these websites after work.

Reference: Learning Object:http://www.learnactivity.com/lo/

Reflection on Information Visualization:
According to Gershon, Stephen, Eick, & Card (1998), “Visualization is the process of transforming data, information, and knowledge into visual form making use of humans’natural visual capabilities.”

Advantages of information visualization:
It enable users to get information fast and reach decisions in a relatively short time. Moreover, Information visualization can facilitate the user interaction with information residing on the World Wide Web.


Examples: WebBook and Web Forager.
With the increasing use of visual media, people’s visual literacy will increase. Users will become more efficient dealing with visuals and thus will get more information.
Reference:
Gershon, N., Stephen G. Eick, S.G., & Card, S. (1998). Information visualization. Interactions, March, 9-15.

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