Computer Graphics in Learning and Instruction

Abstract

Unlike textbook images that are static and television images that permit only passive viewing, computer graphics can be drawn dynamically and interactively on the display screen. For years, most computer games have featured animated, interactive computer graphics. Now computer-based tutorials on a wide range of topics are available that present new information to learners via dynamic, interactive graphics. One of the most recent developments in the area of computer graphics is the educational use of graphics applications software—the visual equivalent of word processing software. With it, learners can create their own computer graphics on the display screen and then use the computer to review the images in a variety of ways. Images can be enlarged, flipped, rotated, animated, duplicated, colored, sized up or down, moved around the screen, deleted, and more—all without programming. It is this dynamic and interactive aspect of computer graphics that is so appealing to learners and holds great promise for improving instruction.