Designing an Interactive Learning Environment based on Theories of Visual Perception and Students’ Views About the Software

With their multi-directional navigation and interaction features, interactive learning environments allow students to control their own learning and learning occurs independent from time and space. The effectiveness of interactions in an instructional multimedia design is closely related to perception levels of target audience and perceptional attributes of the students. Consequently, some theories of visual perceptions should be set to work in designing interactive multimedia learning environments. In this research visual perception theories such as Visual Perception Theory of Gestalt, Theory of Probabilistic Functionalism, Computational Approach to Visual Perception, Neuropsychological Theory, Constructivist Theory of Perception and Theory of Direct Perception. provided a basis through the reflection to the interactive instructional environment design and for the design process of interactive instructional environment. In the research, interactive instructional environment aims to help second year junior high school students to learn about „Light and Sound‟ unit in Science and Technology subject curriculum. Qualitative research procedures were followed to analyze the students‟ interaction with the instructional environment and their reflections after the learning activity. Students found the theories of visual perception based software useful, helpful and motivating.