Using multimedia to visualize the molecular world : educational theory into practice

![CDATA[We know that many misconceptions in chemistry stem from an inability to visualize structures and processes at the molecular level. We also know that you cannot change a student's mental model of this level by simply showing him or her a different, albeit better, one. Using an evidence-based, multimedia information-processing model, the constructivist VisChem Learning Design probes a student's mental model of a substance or reaction before showing 3-D molecular animations portraying the phenomenon. In this way, students are focused on identifying the "key features." Molecular-level animations are compelling and effective learning resources, so they must be designed and presented with great care to avoid generating or reinforcing misconceptions.]]