The Nurnberg funnel: designing minimalist instruction for practical computer skill
The Nurnberg funnel: designing minimalist instruction for practical computer skill
External cognition: how do graphical representations work?
International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
Planning and the user interface: the effects of lockout time and error recovery cost
International Journal of Human-Computer Studies
User Modeling and User-Adapted Interaction
Making the abstract concrete: Visualizing mathematical solution procedures
Computers in Human Behavior
Physical manipulation: evaluating the potential for tangible designs
Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Tangible and Embedded Interaction
Review: Integrating cognitive load theory and concepts of human-computer interaction
Computers in Human Behavior
Smart indicators on learning interactions
EC-TEL'07 Proceedings of the Second European conference on Technology Enhanced Learning: creating new learning experiences on a global scale
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This paper investigates effects of interface style and cognitive style on problem solving performance. It is often assumed that performance improves when information is externalized onto the interface. Although relieving working memory this may discourage planning, understanding and knowledge acquisition. When information is not externalized, it must be internalized, stored in the user's memory, requiring more planning and thinking, perhaps leading to better performance and knowledge. Another variable influencing behavior is the cognitive style of users. We included "Need for Cognition" (NFC), the tendency to engage in cognitive tasks. We investigated the effects of interface style and NFC using planning tasks. The internalization interface led to more planful behavior and smarter solutions, but NFC had no effect. Understanding reactions to interface information is crucial in designing software aimed at education and learning. To facilitate active learning and provoke better performance, designers should take care in giving users (too) much assistance.