Options
Adolescent perceptions of space and place in virtual and photographic environments
Citation
Proceedings of the Redesigning pedagogy: research, policy, practice conference, Singapore, May - June 2005.
Abstract
This paper describes part of the results of a pilot study investigating how adolescents make, share and negotiate
meaning with their peers about their local environments. Specifically, the results presented in this paper focus
on how adolescents perceive and interpret spatial and three-dimensional data presented in various formats, such
as in terms of virtually-rendered objects, photo-realistic panoramas, and traditional maps.
Participants were required to undertake both a pre- and a post-test, which were identical in task. These
tests involved having the participants match a series of computer-rendered three-dimensional objects with
similar objects rendered from the same perspective, as well as to deduce the axis of rotation and viewing
perspective of a QuickTime VR cylindrical panorama when presented with a map of the same area (the preand
post-tests were separated by an intervention activity which will be described but not analysed in depth in
this paper, as the activity itself has been documented in other publications by the author).
Performance data obtained from the pre- and post-test results will be presented and analysed, to
establish the extent to which classroom practice in geography lessons might be improved to enhance students’
performance in map reading and interpretation.
Date Issued
May 2005
Project
CRP 14/03 JH