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

2. Examples of Visuals TransparenciesTransparencies SlidesSlides Video programsVideo programs Computer coursewareComputer courseware

3. 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

4. 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

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

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

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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

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

14. 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

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

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

17. Good Proximity FootballFootball WeightliftingWeightlifting Baseball Skiing

18. Directionals ArrowsArrows Bold typeBold type BulletsBullets ColorColor

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

20. Digital Images CamerasCameras ScannersScanners Photo CD’sPhoto CD’s

21. 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