Visual Communication

What is this picture telling you? Was it a mistake or intentional? Is it art? Who took it? Why? What were the circumstances? What does it represent? Does it have a meaning?..... and so many more questions and so very open to interpretation!

This picture was taken by my oldest son as part of an art project. He was experimenting one day with pencil shavings and he liked how they looked and wanted to create artwork with them. He chose the colours he wanted to use and as he sharpened the pencils he allowed the shavings to fall randomly on a white piece of paper like Autumn leaves falling to the ground and consequently the picture is called 'Autumn'. He deliberately took the photo at close range to create a slightly 'out of focus' image to promote softness and colour blending. Is that what you were thinking?  

Many have heard Napoleon Bonaparte's quotation: "a picture paints a thousand words" or perhaps even Vincent Van Gogh's saying in that "a good picture is worth a good deed". It's interesting when you stop and really think about how much we rely on pictures for communication in everyday life. Our expressive terms, our verbal communication, our non verbal gestures and movements paint a picture of our daily lives.

Many of us have found ourselves sitting and listening to a friend or family member as they try to 'paint a picture' of a recent personal experience through verbal communication. I can recall many instances when I have been given an object description or a place description only later (after 'seeing for myself') realising the great differences between verbal and visual communication and perception - "It looks nothing like I thought it would"! We have all experienced times when someone starts drawing a picture or a diagram to help 'show' us what something 'looks' like! Our increasing reliance on imagery is really quite fascinating! How often have have you asked questions like: "Have you got a 'picture' of it?"  "Can I please have a 'look'?" Or what about a statement like:.. "I'd really like to 'see' that!"

Everywhere around the world people are drawn to pictures and imagery. From the first 'permanent' photograph (approximately 200 years ago) to what we have available today in digital photographic and video technology the world has made quantum leaps and changes in how we actually communicate. Proof of this can be found with an increasing number of universities now catering for a variety of courses in visual communication whereby once it was merely a thought. Please refer to the following advertisement from The University of Western Sydney...

A Career in Visual Communication

As a Visual Communication graduate, you'll enjoy a broad and exciting range of career options. You may work as a:

• graphic designer
• photographer
• illustrator
• art director
• design journalist
• information designer
• interactive multimedia designer
• web designer
• design educator
• animator
• television or video designer

As learning managers we are not going to have the same qualifications as a visual communication graduates (unfortunately) but hopefully what we will have is a great respect for visual communication, to know when and where to use it and to appreciate its value and power in the learning environment. The power of a picture must never be underestimated!     

Below, I have used a PMI chart to explore the pluses, minuses and implications/interests on using digital images as a learning tool...

P M I           Pluses, Minuses, and Interesting/Implications

TOPIC: Using digital images in learning environments....

+	-	i
Learner engagement Assist in knowledge retention  Promotion of critical thinking Promotion of creativity Creates discussion focus Supports text and learning Promotion of emotive behaviour Images are memorable Convenient - easily accessible Learner interactivity Activates visual sense Can be used to support scaffolding A universal language Aids in visual literacy development	Learner distraction Promotion of emotive behaviour Misinterpretation Open interpretation  Conflicting morals/values Over use - desensitisation Under use - just 'another' bunch of words Selectivity - finding the 'right' image can be time consuming Image availability Additional resources required Parental opposition/objection Not all learners are 'visual'	Copyright infringements Picture appropriation Parental permission Child protection Digital resource availability Web safety Image accessibility  Picture suitability/topic relevance Digital imagery knowledge requirements  Up-skilling to meet technology advancement demands Must be used in balance and in coordination with other learning tools to be 'truly' effective

And... I'm sure that there is much more that can be added to the list but it's important for us as learning managers to critically evaluate the use of digital images in learning environments - only then can we truly appreciate their worth and know of the implications that surround them. The benefits of using digital images and visual communication in learning environments outweighs the implications when considering the promotion of: higher order thinking, critical analysis, critical reflection and creative development (Of course as with anything correct application is required). We can also draw conclusion that learning and practicing visual literacy is vital for not only learning other literacy skills but for our success in in the new age of digital technology both socially and professionally.