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The use and functions of visuals

From instructional views, most people are visually oriented. They learn about 10% from listening, but over 80% from what they see. More importantly they remember only about 20% of what they hear and about over 50% of they see and hear

The primary function of visual as communication device is to (1) serve as a more concrete referent to meaning than the spoken or written words (2) visuals are also Iconic, it resembles thing they represent which serves as concrete clues to meaning (3) motivate learners by increasing their interest in text or representation (4) it help attract and sustain attention and generalize emotions (5) Reiteration which underscores information in printed material or verbal by presenting it in different format.

Types of Visuals

1. Realistic visuals- are those that show the actual object or subject under study.

2. Analogic visuals- conveys a concept or topic by showing something else and implying a similarity.

3. Organizational visuals- visuals like flowchart, graphs, maps, schematics and classification of charts

Visual Preference of Learners

Teachers have to make appropriate choices between effective illustrations and preferred illustrations. People do not necessarily learn best from the kinds of picture they prefer.

1. Most learner prefer color visuals over black and white visuals.

2. Choose photographs over drawings

3. Choose realism in form and color

4. Prefer simple over complex illustrations (younger children)

5. Prefer complex over simple illustrations (older children)

Using Visuals in Instruction

Student can learn from visuals in two ways.(1) Decoding, they must be able to “read” visuals accurately, understand the elements of visuals and interpret them (2) Encoding, they should be able to create visuals as a tool to communicate effectively with others and be able to express themselves through practice. The development of both skills requires practice.

1. Choose photographs over drawings

2. Choose realism in form and colorcan learn from

3. Prefer simple over complex illustrations (younger children)

4. Prefer complex over simple illustrations (older children)

Designing Visuals

A well designed visuals promotes not only learning of subject matter but also provide aesthetic models for students’ own creative growth. When you create visuals, the important elements of art and principles of design are best considered by starting with preliminary sketches of intended visuals. At this stage little attention is paid in rendering artistic details but careful consideration is given to choosing the right words and images, arrangement, lettering styles and colors. The element of art includes line, shape, texture and color while the principles of design relate to arrangement, balance and unity.

1. The Line – is a one-dimensional structural devise that attracts attention by moving the eye around or to a specific area. It suggest actions, directions and movement. It also divides or ties things together and used as structure to which to build.

a. Horizontal line- gives a feeling to stability

b. Vertical line- implies strength and they draw the eye upward

c. Diagonal lines- strongly imply movement, action and dynamism. Crossed diagonal gives a sense of conflict. Curve lines also give a feeling of motion.

2. Shape – Are two dimensional and can form the outline of objects. It can work together to create a meaningful whole. Shapes also communicate just from their silhouette without any internal detail.

3. Textures – characteristics of three dimensional objects and materials. It conveys a clearer idea of the subject to the viewer by suggesting the sense of touch. It can be use to give emphasis, provide separation or enhance unity.

4. Color- It suggest moods, movement and commands attention, heightens realism of images, point out similarities and differences, highlight important information and details and creates emotional response.

5. Arrangement – visual and verbal elements of the layout should be arranged in a pattern that captures the viewers attention and directs it towards the important detailis or concepts. Arrangement incorporates the line, space and form. The rule of thirds, Elements along any of the one-third dividing lines take on importance and liveliness and can even suggest movement. The most dominant and dynamic position is at any of the intersection of the one-third dividing line especially the upper left intersection.

6. Balance – is achieved when the weight of the elements in a display is equally distributed on each side of an axis, either horizontally, vertically or both. When the design is repeated on both sides, the balance is symmetrical or formal.

7. Unity – is the relationship among the elements of a visual that allows them to function together. It concerns not only the verbal content but also the visual presentation. Unity is achieved by using related or repeated themes, color, shapes and types or direction of lines. Eliminate every element that is not essential to the communication of your idea. Present only one idea at a time.

8. Interaction- Allow the student interact with the visual or manipulate materials on visuals

4.5. Lettering Visuals

The size of the lettering should be consistent and harmonize with other elements.

· For straightforward informational or instructional purposes a plain letters not decorative is recommended

· Gothic or roman style is more readable

· For best legibility, use lowercase letter, adding capitals only where normally required. Short headlines maybe written in all capital, but phrases of more than three words and full sentences should follow the rule of lowercase lettering

· The color of the lettering should contrast with the background for emphasis

Stafford,C and Russell, J. (1990). Principles of Visual Design, National society for Performance and Instruction Annual Conference, Toronto, Canada

Decorative letter cut-outs : http://www.momfetti.com/2009/04/mom-it-yourself-decorative-letter-cut.html

3D crafts paper cut-outs : http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/papercuttingsartscraftsideaskids.html

Letter cutting: http://www.alphabetpatterns.com/