Well-crafted and scientifically accurate videos and animations can be effective ways to teach dynamic Earth processes such as continental rifting, both in live course offerings as well as in online settings. However, a quick search of the internet reveals too few high-quality videos/animations describing deep Earth processes. We have modified a hybrid 10.5 min video/animation about continental rifting and the formation of new oceans and passive continental margins created for an upper-division geology audience, retailoring it for a lower-division geology audience. A key challenge in successfully modifying such resources is aligning the cognitive load that the video/animation imposes on students, in part related to the technical geoscientific jargon used in explaining such phenomena, with that which they encounter on these topics in their textbooks and classrooms. We used expert feedback obtained at a 2019 GeoPRISMS (Geodynamic Processes at Rifting and Subducting Margins) workshop in San Antonio to ensure the accuracy of the science content of the upper-division video. We followed this with a review of the terminology and language used in the video/animation, seeking to align the video narrative with the technical language used in introductory geology offerings, which we based on examining five current introductory geology textbooks and feedback from students in introductory geoscience courses. The revised introductory-level video/animation was piloted in an online introductory course, where it provided an improved conceptual understanding of the related processes of continental rifting, opening new oceans, and formation of passive continental margins.
Claus O. Wilke has authored an excellent reference about producing and understanding static figures, figures used online, in print, and for presentations. His book is neither a statistics nor programming text, but familiarity with basic statistical concepts is helpful. Written in three parts, the book presents both the math and artistic design aspects of telling a story through figures. Wilke makes extensive use of examples, labels them good, bad, wrong or ugly, and explains why he deems them so. He includes chapters that serve as a directory of visualizations, and the reader will encounter familiar figure types as well as more esoteric ones. He discusses aesthetic considerations, including color, that make figures more compelling, and provides tips to connect with the audience to tell a story. Wilke intends the book for those producing figures, but consumers of graphical content will also find it helpful as his clear and concise style-and his effective use of examples-will help them evaluate the worth of figures they encounter.
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