Visual Literacy is a our connection to understanding what we hear. When foreigners travel to unknown land sometimes they can only identify restrooms, restaurants, police stations etc. by the signs and symbols or gestures. Analyzing and interpreting pictures can convey many meaningful messages in the classroom . The use of pictures help the students to connect to the lessons by prompting critical thinking. Visual images helps to support thoughts by means of producing images in the mind. Sometimes, colors also can help change a child's mood. For example on a cold and wet day, a nice bright yellow sun can help change the feeling of a dreary day. In my class, I use graphic organizers as a visual to help organize thoughts and patterns and ideas. Also, I would use hypertext and hypermedia as a problem solving and research strategy. . This is a great way to discovery learning and solve real problems. Power point presentations has been a great favorite of young children especially with animations and talking videos. Also, the students enjoy when the produce their own videos as a cooperative grouping project. Internet usage is now a necessity for me in my classroom because it supports my student's learning more effectively, especially with the usage visual support on the Internet. The children also look forward to the viewing and finding visuals to support the lessons too. This a great motivator and also it keep the students asking questions and seeking information.
Barbara,
ReplyDeleteVery nice Blog set up. I like the activity and visuals, they bring a sense of openness and "come look".
For this blog, you have answered the issue and given support for it. Using visuals through a computer is so much faster than trying to find pictures on your own that are relative to the lessons.
The use of the critical thinking skills alone are a great reason for using it. I have teachers who would much rather look things up in books, rather than use the sites that the books offer. I think not using the sites are a detriment to students. There is so much offered and it is just a click away.
A computer gets kids excited and active immediately as they can not wait to see what's coming up.
Great job,
Nancy Bedard