Media Research Center

About: Media Research Center is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Collaborative learning & Educational technology. The organization has 491 authors who have published 950 publications receiving 28581 citations. The organization is also known as: MRC.

Tracking by location and features: object correspondence across spatiotemporal discontinuities during multiple object tracking.

Abstract: We examined whether surface feature information is utilized to track the locations of multiple objects. In particular, we tested whether surface features and spatiotemporal information are weighted according to their availability and reliability. Accordingly, we hypothesized that surface features should affect location tracking across spatiotemporal discontinuities. Three kinds of spatiotemporal discontinuities were implemented across five experiments: abrupt scene rotations, abrupt zooms, and a reduced presentation frame rate. Objects were briefly colored across the spatiotemporal discontinuity. Distinct coloring that matched spatiotemporal information across the discontinuity improved tracking performance as compared with homogeneous coloring. Swapping distinct colors across the discontinuity impaired performance. Correspondence by color was further demonstrated by more mis-selected distractors appearing in a former target color than distractors appearing in a former distractor color in the swap condition. This was true even when color never supported tracking and when participants were instructed to ignore color. Furthermore, effects of object color on tracking occurred with unreliable spatiotemporal information but not with reliable spatiotemporal information. Our results demonstrate that surface feature information can be utilized to track the locations of multiple objects. This is in contrast to theories stating that objects are tracked based on spatiotemporal information only. We introduce a flexible-weighting tracking account stating that spatiotemporal information and surface features are both utilized by the location tracking mechanism. The two sources of information are weighted according to their availability and reliability. Surface feature effects on tracking are particularly likely when distinct surface feature information is available and spatiotemporal information is unreliable.

The Interplay of Internal and External Scripts

Abstract: This chapter describes different script types that are involved when a person X is accomplishing a particular task Y. We refer to concepts and ideas from distributed cognition theories. It is assumed that individuals are holding internal scripts that guide them in the way they process tasks they are faced with, and these internal scripts are standing in a complex relationship to the external scripts provided by an artifact or by other persons. Three factors are regarded as crucial in order to describe the accomplishment of a task, namely (a) the actual activity, (b) knowledge underlying the activity, and (c) the executive function, a (meta-)cognitive instance that is setting the goals for the task and controls the system’s task accomplishment. For each of these three main factors, several sub-categories are introduced, on which two script approaches are compared. The first approach represents the socio-technical environment Memory Aiding Prompting System (MAPS) designed to support individuals with cognitive disabilities in accomplishing everyday tasks with a focus on “tools for living”. The second approach, the so-called collaborative argumentation script, represents a computer-supported collaborative inquiry learning environment to facilitate students’ collaborative argumentation with a focus on “tools for learning”. Implications of the comparison for the design of external scripts are derived and directions for future research are discussed.

Hypervideo and Cognition: Designing Video-Based Hypermedia for Individual Learning and Collaborative Knowledge Building

Abstract: This chapter discusses how advanced digital video technologies, such as hypervideo, can be used to broaden the spectrum of meaningful learning activities. Hypervideo is conceptualized as the true integration of video into non-linear information structures by means of spatio-temporal links. Based on cognitive-psychological perspectives, the discussion focuses on the way cognitive and socio-cognitive processes relate to the specific characteristics of hyperlinked videos, and how they inform their design. Then, with regard to technology, two approaches are introduced, providing tools for knowledge building and interaction with non-linear information structures based on dynamic video information. Case studies and research findings are presented and prospects for future research are outlined.

Partner Knowledge Awareness in Knowledge Communication: Learning by Adapting to the Partner

Abstract: Awareness of the knowledge of learning partners is not always sufficiently available in collaborative learning scenarios To compensate, the authors propose to provide collaborators with partner knowledge awareness by means of a visualization tool Partner knowledge awareness can be used to adapt messages toward the partner This study investigated the cognitive consequences of message adaptation on producers The authors chose a simulated collaboration scenario in order to dissociate the producer effect from recipient and collaboration effects Results on 42 participants that had been randomly assigned to either the partner knowledge awareness condition (partner and own knowledge visualized) or the control condition (only own knowledge visualized) are reported here Participants in the partner knowledge awareness condition adapted their contributions according to the visualized partner's knowledge and benefited with regard to the acquisition of elaborated knowledge