1) Choose a learning domain besides the ones that we studied, and apply the principles we learned in weeks 1-3 to critically evaluate several visualization techniques in practice. What do they do right and wrong? Do you find exceptions to the visualization principles we discussed in the first few weeks? Why? For the computer scientists in the class who might be eager to build something, this would be a good opportunity to build a proof-of-concept prototype for a system that remedies the problems you discovered.
2) Choose a set of principles for visualization (e.g. effective use of color to convey information) and take an in-depth look at how these principles have been applied across learning domains. Are there differences? If so, are these differences specific to learning issues?
3) Find an important issue (e.g. memorability of charts and graphs, or color-blindness) that has been touched upon in our explorations together, but not thoroughly explored. Critically examine the relevant research and empirical work that has been done, perhaps suggesting your own ideas for investigation.
4) Find an area of learning that has not employed visualization in the past, but could benefit from it. Design your own effective visualization techniques, and explore how these could be used to facilitate learning.
5) Investigate and attempt to categorize the research methodologies that have been used to develop visualization software. What kinds of experiments were used to inspire the development of the software? How can we evaluate the success of the final product?
6) Research and synthesize some particular set of empirical work that has been used to motivate development of visualization techniques for learning. Discuss the implications this work has for visualization design.