Individual use of knowledge media
The focus of the research section Individual use of knowledge media is on individual learners' knowledge-related processes when using digital information. The research section is divided into three labs.
The Multimodal Interaction Lab conducts research into the interaction of digital information on the basis of different sensory and motoric modalities. The focus is on the multimodal handling of multiple information resources and on the use of sensor-based interaction modalities, such as multi touch or brain-computer interfaces.
The Realistic Depictions Lab focuses on the processes underlying information processing and knowledge acquisition when looking at vivid static and dynamic visualizations, such as illustrations, videos or virtual environments.
The Multiple Representations Lab works on the question which information processes are involved in learning with combined symbol systems, especially text-picture combinations, and on how to provide instructional support for learners who perform these processes.
Social use of knowledge media
The research section Social use of knowledge media is divided into three labs and one junior research group. The four groups conduct research into the potential and risks of using digital communication and cooperation media for collaborative knowledge work and knowledge acquisition.
The Social Processes Lab focuses on research into the influence of social factors (e.g., the interdependence of communication partners) and of users' emotions (e.g., the perceived threat of study partners that are better than oneself) on media-mediated cooperation and knowledge acquisition.
The Perception and Action Lab investigates human perception and action processes in digital environments. The focus is hereby on how information is selected, how the mind organizes these different pieces of information and integrates them with existing knowledge.
The research of the Knowledge Construction Lab focuses on media settings in which large groups work together on a joint knowledge artefact (e.g., a knowledge platform). In these settings knowledge is usually not exchanged directly among users but via the artefact (the media platform) and the processes happening there. In such situations new knowledge develops on both the individual and the group levels.
The Everyday Media Lab investigates primarily (knowledge) communication in everyday settings, such as learning from YouTube videos or podcasts, exchanges on social media, or interactions with voice assistants like Alexa. The focus is often on the social relationships of users or parasocial (= asymmetrical) relationships with media figures.
Cross-sectional activities
The Leibniz-WissenschaftsCampus Tübingen (WCT) provided an institutionalized form for the IWM's cross-sectional activities. It was established in 2010 targeting the topic »Informational Environments«. From 2017-2020 it was continued with a focus on »Cognitive Interfaces«. In this research network, departments of the IWM cooperated with partners of the University of Tübingen. Since 2018 the University of Stuttgart was associated partner. The WCT focused on how thinking, acting and working in the context of digital media can be improved by designing human-computer interfaces. In the tradition of the WCT, the research network "Human-Agent Interaction" (MAI network) was founded. It consists of eight interdisciplinary projects carried out in collaboration with researchers from the universities of Tübingen and Stuttgart. The Human-Agent Interaction Network explores human interaction with artificial intelligence processing natural language.