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

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.