BIOLOGY SEMINAR
4:00 PM SEMINAR
HITCHCOCK HALL 132
BERG LECTURE
REFRESHMENTS IN FOYER 3:45 PM
AND FOLLOWING SEMINAR
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
“Visual Literacy and Learning”
Dr. Julie Libarkin
Associate Professor
Department of Geological Sciences
Division of Science and Mathematics Education
Michigan State University
Visual imagery is ubiquitous in science and a powerful tool for conveying science to both experts and
novices. In general, scientists initially create images to convey information to each other; these images
are often simplified and enhanced before being used to convey information to students and the general
public. Both the science of image design and visual literacy, the extent to which people can understand
images, are often missing in the image development process. Without considering these, the potential for
misinterpretations of science to unintentionally arise cannot be underestimated. This talk will provide an
overview of several years of research on visualization and learning, from fundamental cognitive studies of
visuospatial working memory to eye tracking investigations of person-image interactions. In particular, I
will discuss a set of expert-novice studies: 1) A study of geologic mapping expertise, including analysis of
the role of spatial visualization in expert and student cognition; 2) An eye tracking- and interview-based
investigation of expert-novice interactions with common geologic maps and images, revealing striking
perceptual and cognitive differences as a function of color palette and expertise level; and 3) A survey
study revealing the expectations for visual literacy that faculty bring to non-major and major classrooms.
Hosts: Karen Chan & Mary Pat Wenderoth
To request disability accommodations, contact the Disability Services Office at least 10 days in advance of the event.
206-543-6450 OR dso@u.washington.edu