Chapter 8
DPK’s
1) What is visual literacy? Identify two general strageies that you may use to teach
visual literacy
Visual literacy “refers to the learned ability to interpret visual messages accurately and to create
such messages”. Visual literacy is an important skill for students to have so that they are not
simply seeing a visual, but are able to understand it’s meaning and convey it to others in a
similar format. Two general strategies that can be used in the classroom to teach visual literacy
are teaching students to ‘decode’ visuals and ‘encode’ visuals. Decoding visuals can be taught by
helping students to understand the difference between realistic and not, by providing colorful
visuals rather than black and white, and by always keeping in mind the various cultural
backgrounds of students in the classroom. Students of different cultural backgrounds will decode
images differently, and it’s important to adjust teaching strategies accordingly. Encoding can be
taught to students by encouraging them to create their own visuals, using skills that they’ve
learned through decoding. They can use images found online or from photos or drawings to
create visual representations of ideas that they might have.
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4) Describe four methods for viewing visuals in the classroom.
Presentation Software- This method requires the use of a digital projector. Presentation
software such as ‘power point’ are often used with this technique. Teachers and students
can start with a blank template, and create presentations that are rich with digital images
and colorful text and designs. Handouts can also be generated from this software, so
students don’t have to copy down everything from every slide.
Digital Images- Pictures can be taken using a digital camera and then uploaded onto a
computer or pictures can be saved onto a hard drive using a scanner. Other import
methods include CD’s, DVD’s, or USB devices. Once pictures are saved onto a
computer, they can be displayed to students on a computer screen, monitor, projector, or
a document camera to incorporate visuals into lessons.
Overhead Projection- This method is still widely used in today’s classroom because of
their convenience and low cost. It’s composed of a box with a glass surface, a lens-and
mirror-system and a light beam which projects the image back over the shoulder of the
presenter. This is a good method for presenting information to the whole class because
it’s shown on a large projection screens. Visuals can be made on transparencies with
several overlays since the backgrounds are clear. Each overlay contains more information
and a different visual, making this a good method for explaining more complex topics.
Printed Visuals- These visuals can be found printed in a book, hanging on a wall, or held
by the teacher. This particular method does not require any equipment. They are
convenient, inexpensive, and can be used in many ways at any level of instruction. They
also have several limitations; two dimensional, lack of capability to meet instructional
needs, requiring bulky hardware, and too much information on one visual.
7) Discuss four techniques for creating visuals.
 Lettering Techniques- Creating different designs with text can be achieved by using
different media to do so. Some options include freehand using felt-tip markers, using
precut letters, cutting larger letters out of construction paper, or making use of devices
such as a die cutter to make several copies of a letter quickly.
 Drawing, Sketching, and Cartooning- Many teachers overlook themselves as a means
of creating visuals. There are many how-to books that are available to read to learn how
to effectively use drawing and sketching to make supporting visuals. Drawings can
enhance simple whiteboard presentations, handouts, bulletin boards around the
classroom, and writing on the overhead projector.
 Designing Visuals with Computers- Programs such as iWorks, Photoshop, and Adobe
Illustrator are all designed to manipulate images on the computer and create amazing
visuals. Once visuals are created using these programs, there are several ways that they
can be displayed; through a digital projector, printed onto transparencies or handouts, etc.
 Creating Overhead Transparencies- Despite gains in technology, overhead projectors
are still widely used in today’s classrooms. Transparencies can be enhanced by the use of
colorful felt-tip pens, and with different computer software available today, handouts
generated on them can be printed directly onto the transparencies.
8) Discuss two methods for capturing images.
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Using a digital camera- Digital cameras convert light energy to digital data. These
images are stored on a memory card, and you can then scroll through the images right on
the camera and see what you’ve captured. Then, you’re able to download images to a
computer and store them on that hard drive or on some other device such as a flash drive
or a CD.
Using a scanner- A scanner is useful when you wish to convert a paper-based image into
a digitalized one. The photo is placed into the top of the scanner, much like a copy
machine, and the device must be connected to a computer. Then, once the machine scans
the image, it is transferred to the computer where you can then choose where to digitally
store it (much like using the memory card from a digital camera).
DPS
1) Design a series of instructional images. Attach a description of the audience, objectives,
and features that help achieve the goals of your visual design.