Dear all, Apologies for cross-posting.
Please find below the details of next week's CeRch seminar:
Using Spatial Cognition to Improve Knowledge Construction (Carl Smith and Pierre-Francois Gerard, London Metropolitan University/Goldsmiths)
Tuesday, 12th November, 2013 from 6:15 PM to 7:30 PM (GMT) Anatomy Theatre and Museum, King's College London: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/cultural/spaces/anatomy-museum.aspx
Attendance is free and open to all, but registration is requested: https://www.eventbrite.com/event/8348503599 The seminar will be followed by wine and nibbles.
All the best, Valentina Asciutti
Abstract: To what extent can we organise and engineer knowledge construction using space and visualisation? Using physical or virtual architectural structures and landscapes for cognitive enhancement has been practised for centuries. The Art of Memory or Ars Memoriae is one of the techniques that is used to assist in the combination and 'invention' of new ideas. This is achieved by associating emotionally striking memory images within visualized locations. The widespread use of video games and mobile devices is expanding the practise of spatial cognition in both virtual and physical environments respectively. By gathering evidence from these practises this research aims to answer the following questions: In today's context of technological and visual culture how do we use this potential of spatial cognition to manage, structure and organise the increasing amount of information that we acquire? Can we overcome our apparent cognitive limits by combining these ancient pedagogies with modern technologies? To what extent can we use analogue and digital technology to combine concrete reasoning with abstract reasoning in order to form new ways of learning?
Bios: Carl Smith is Director of the Learning Technology Research Institute (LTRI) at London Metropolitan University. He is an academic expert, researcher and developer with a long-standing focus on pervasive learning technologies, hybrid reality and digital/mobile learning. His background is in Computer Science and Architecture. He specialises in using various visualization techniques to produce augmented spaces for the generation and transformation of learning. His other research interests include visual and spatial literacy, pattern recognition, intermediality, visualisation as interface, and open source learning. The LTRI conducts research into the application of information and communication technologies to augment, support and transform learning.
Pierre-Francois Gerard is currently a PhD Student in Computing Department at Goldsmith College, University of London. His main research area is the use of space to enhance learning. His background is in Architecture (Graduated in Brussels) and 3D visualisation. During 10 years of professional practice with architects and designers both in Brussels and London, Pierre-Fran?ois realized the potential of 3D visualisation techniques as a creative force not only in the design process but mainly as a communication tool. He graduated in Information and Communication Technology (MA France). Through this very interdisciplinary lens, his research interests include spatial cognition, long-term memory, 3D learning environments, human computer interaction and game design.