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.