Enhancing visuospatial map learning through action on cellphones

Abstract

The visuospatial learning of a map on cellphone displays was examined. The spatial knowledge of human participants was assessed after they had learned the relative positions of London Underground stations on a map via passive, marginally active, or active exploration. Following learning, the participants were required to answer questions in relation to the spatial representation and distribution of the stations on the map. Performances were compared between conditions involving (1) without auditory cues versus continuous auditory cues; (2) without auditory cues versus noncontinuous auditory cues; and (3) continuous auditory cues versus noncontinuous auditory cues. Results showed that the participants perfomed better following active and marginally-active explorations, as compared to purely passive learning. These results also suggest that under specific conditions (i.e., continuous sound with extremely fast tempo) there is no benefit to spatial abilities from active exploration over passive observation; while continuous sound with moderate to fast tempo is effective for simple actions (i.e., key press).

FrontPanel

“…Since the launch of the first touch-screen mobile interface on the market in 2007, methods of interaction have been limited to semi-marginally actions [1] that are mainly modulated by visual feedback; i.e. the tactile interaction is restricted to touching a static surface -in this case a glass -with one or several fingers.…”