Visual Principles II: Visual Literacy

TECH3008

Introduction to Educational Technology

Dr. Alaa SadikDepartment of Instructional & Learning Technologies

[email protected]

TECH3008

Introduction to Educational Technology

Presentation Four:Visual Principles II: Visual Literacy

Using optical & digital images in education:

Why?How?

Using optical & digital images in education: Why? Learner preferences and styles can more effectively be

addressed. Enhanced learning and retention take place through the

use of visual material. Bring deeper understanding to complex subject matter. Help students focus attention. Improve the decision-making process. Speed adoption of major change. Motivate learners.

Using optical & digital images in education: How?

Print format Books Portrait Newsletters Presentations TV screen Image CD The Web

Visual Literacy (VL)

1. Defining Visual Literacy

“Visual Literacy means being able to read and compose images”.

“The ability to discriminate and interpret visual actions, objects and other images, while gaining meaning from them”.

Visual Literacy (VL

1. Defining Visual Literacy

“Visual literacy skills are required for effective learning and teaching via images”.


2. The importance of Visual Literacy

VL uses images to teach critical and creative thinking, communication and visual literacy.

VL increases student competence in constructing meaning from images that incorporate various curriculum-based subjects.

VL helps students sharpen their powers of observation.


2. The importance of Visual Literacy

VL increases ability to locate information, analyze, reason and form conclusions about the photograph.

VL opens up new worlds for students and engages them to write in more meaningful ways.

VL helps students to think more consciously about the details they see.


3. Enhancing student’s visual literacy: How?

“By asking your students the right questions, they can learn to read and discover the story behind the image”.



For Example:What information is conveyed by:

gesture? expression? the clothing worn in the photograph? the background? the use of props?



For Example:- Who created the image?- Who is the audience of the image?- For what purpose was the image created?- What is the message of the image?- Why was the image arranged that way?


4. Student objectives/roles

Practice the skills of observing and interpreting photographs.

Transform visual information into strong descriptive language.

Find/create images that describe/illustrate a specific point of view or issue.

Visual ElementsSyntax and Semantics

Visual Elements: Syntax and Semantics

The Language of Visual Literacy Visuals are a language that allow us to

produce and communicate thoughts and images about reality.

The symbols used in visual communication are not a fixed vocabulary (dictionary).


The Language of Visual Literacy Visual communication is made up of

symbols whose meaning results from their context.

A visual meaning is formed by seeing and thinking.


Visual Semantics Semantic is the study of language meaning. Visual semantics are the cultural, communicative

and social signs relate to meaning. Examples of visual semantics signs includes:

purpose, photo creator, date & time of shooting, purpose, context, audience, relationships…


Visual Syntax Syntax is the grammatical arrangement of words

in sentences. VL syntax is the form of building of blocks of an

image. These blocks are called visual elements. Examples of visual elements includes:

scale, dimension, arrangements, framing, motion, colour, light, shadow, juxtaposition, relative size, foreground, background…

Visual Elements

Main Visual Elements (visual syntax)1. Framing2. Angle3. Lighting4. Timing5. Contrast 6. Scale

Visual Elements

Main Visual ElementsFraming A technique used to bring the focus and depth to the

subject and objects. What is included and excluded in an individual shot. The photographer’s determination of what the edges of a

photograph will be.

Visual Elements

Main Visual ElementsFramingA wonderful scene, framed by a window frame

Visual Elements

Main Visual ElementsFramingA party attender, framed by her friends

Visual Elements

Main Visual ElementsFramingA beautiful sunset, naturally framed by the clouds

Visual Elements

Main Visual ElementsAngle The direction from which the artist photographs the

subject. A technique used to change/improve the look of objects

by using different camera directions. Angles are used to convey different information and

feelings about the same subject.

Visual Elements

Main Visual ElementsAngleIf you like to sell your car, capture a goodphotos from an appropriate angle.

Visual Elements

Main Visual ElementsAngleLooks great

Visual Elements

Main Visual ElementsAngleLooks young but ambitious

Visual Elements

Main Visual ElementsAngleLooks more beautiful

Visual Elements

Main Visual ElementsAngleLooks bright

Visual Elements

Main Visual ElementsAngleLooks great

Visual Elements

Main Visual ElementsAngle

Visual Elements

Main Visual ElementsLighting Lighting is a technique used to imply a mood/emotion. Very contrasting lighting (dark shadows, bright highlights)

is more dramatic than a soft gentle light. Lighting and shadows also provide clues to the figuring

out the larger setting and time of day the shot was taken.

Visual Elements

Main Visual ElementsLighting

Activities

A. Find images.B. Define and describe images.C. Content & image analysis (various student

books).D. Using Images to create a visual story.

Discussions &Conclusions

Visual Principles II: Visual Literacy

Education

Transcript of Visual Principles II: Visual Literacy