Visual Literacy: Educating through Images
How can visual literacy and the use of the Internet impact
the teaching and learning process in the classroom?
Merriam-Webster defines visual literacy as the ability to
recognize and understand ideas conveyed through visible actions or images. As 21st
century learners work to grasp concepts, draw connections, retain information
and use critical thinking skills, images can help them to solidify their
knowledge and supplement (and sometimes replace) regular lessons in the
classroom. When students are given the
opportunity to use higher order thinking skills by evaluating, analyzing and
creating conceptual visual representations, they often experience a more deep
and lasting knowledge of the concepts being introduced. In addition to helping
students make meaning from information and stimulating higher order thinking
skills, the use of images in the classroom can keep even the most distracted
learners engaged in lessons that might otherwise have been lost through the use
of traditional lessons.
What are some visual-thinking strategies you would like to
use in your classroom?
Using videos in the classroom is one way to encourage visual thinking. This video could be used to supplement or replace a traditional lesson on erosion in a science class. Visual-Thinking Strategies encourage students to be active
participants and can help build self confidence in students who may be
struggling. The use of visual-thinking strategies often takes a
teacher-centered classroom and shifts it into a student-centered environment,
thus allowing students to have more access to useful strategies for learning. Some
of the visual-thinking strategies that I use in my classroom include:
· Creating mnemonic
visuals and cartoons for vocabulary words
· Having
students create entirely visual presentations
· Virtual
Field Trips
· Laboratory
Simulations
· Using
graphic organizers
What role do you want the Internet play in your classroom?
In my classroom, the Internet is a resource that provides a
broader perspective on the world and allows students to explore ideas. Although there are times when students can
use the internet for entertainment, in my classroom the internet is mainly used
for research, exploration, and communication. Using programs like GoToMeeting
in order to provide a larger classroom for a group of students who live in a
very isolated and homogeneous part of the United States is probably the number
one advantage of having Internet access in my classroom.
