Visual Principles “The Computer as an Educational Tool: Productivity and Problem Solving” ©Richard C. Forcier and Don E. Descy

Examples of Visuals TransparenciesTransparencies SlidesSlides Video programsVideo programs Computer coursewareComputer courseware

Role of Visuals Motivate the learnersMotivate the learners Attract attentionAttract attention Hold attentionHold attention Simplify difficult informationSimplify difficult information –Each x has one y –Vertical line test

Visual Literacy Learned ability to interpret messagesLearned ability to interpret messages Input strategies - help decodeInput strategies - help decode Output strategies - help encodeOutput strategies - help encode

Decoding: Interpreting Visuals Developmental effectsDevelopmental effects –Parts not the whole Cultural effectsCultural effects –Old west Visual preferencesVisual preferences

Encoding: Creating Visuals Writing spurs readingWriting spurs reading Creating PowerPointsCreating PowerPoints –Computers –Clipart

Visual Design ElementsElements PatternsPatterns ArrangementArrangement Visual planning toolsVisual planning tools Digital imagesDigital images

Visual Elements Visual - how realisticVisual - how realistic Analogic - use of analogiesAnalogic - use of analogies OrganizationalOrganizational

Verbal Elements Visible letteringVisible lettering Letter styleLetter style –Sans serif when projected –Simple serif when written (Palatino) Typefaces - no more than fourTypefaces - no more than four Capitals only when necessaryCapitals only when necessary

Verbal Elements (Continued) Color, size, and space between lettersColor, size, and space between letters Space between linesSpace between lines Add texture - make it 3DAdd texture - make it 3D InteractiveInteractive

Element of Surprise Unusual metaphor Unusual metaphor Dramatic change in size Dramatic change in size Dramatic change in color Dramatic change in color Helps keep attention Helps keep attention

Pattern Alignment - words with correct pictureAlignment - words with correct picture ShapeShape –Rule of 3rds –Z, L, T, or U shape BalanceBalance –Informal is best

Color Scheme Complimentary colorsComplimentary colors Analogous colorsAnalogous colors Important to use contrastImportant to use contrast

Color Appeal Cool = blue, green, violetCool = blue, green, violet Warm = red, orangeWarm = red, orange Use warm when highlightingUse warm when highlighting Cultural differences with colorCultural differences with color

Arrangement Figure-ground contrastFigure-ground contrast ConsistencyConsistency –Keep pictures in same spot ProximityProximity DirectionalsDirectionals

Proximity Related elements closeRelated elements close Nonrelated elements farther apartNonrelated elements farther apartFootballSkiingWeightliftingBaseball

Good Proximity FootballFootball WeightliftingWeightlifting Baseball Skiing

Directionals ArrowsArrows Bold typeBold type BulletsBullets ColorColor

Visual Planning Tools StoryboardStoryboard Types of lettersTypes of letters Drawing, sketching, and cartooningDrawing, sketching, and cartooning

Digital Images CamerasCameras ScannersScanners Photo CD’sPhoto CD’s

Photo CD’s Instead of printsInstead of prints One CD stores 100–150 picturesOne CD stores 100–150 pictures Additional pictures can be addedAdditional pictures can be added