Classroom Demonstrations in Perception and Cognition Using Presentation Software

Abstract

Presentation software, notebook computers, and projection equipment are increasingly being used to present lecture material. However, the potential advantages of such presentation over more traditional lecture methods are often underutilized. In this article, I illustrate computer-based classroom demonstrations in perception and cognition that require no computer programming and can be presented with the same standard presentation software used for lecture presentation, thus allowing the demonstrations to fit seamlessly within the lecture. The demonstrations capitalize on the advantages of multimedia lecture presentations because they are interactive and cannot be achieved with more traditional pedagogical methods. Examples include apparent motion, anorthoscopic perception, illusory conjunctions, and the capacity of early visual memory.