e-Learning Ecologies MOOC’s Updates
Visual Learning
The saying ‘out of sight out of mind’ best describes the importance of visual learning as almost 80% of information perceived is through eyes. For processing and retaining information we humans have a different learning style and use diverse stimulus sense modality. According to Fleming and Mills (1992) there are mainly three types of learners visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners. Visual learning is learning through images or visuals. The most common and basic example of visual learning can be writing. But visual learning is more than words, texts, and sentences, it’s about images, diagrams, designs, and drawings and our general observation. Unlike writing which has a complex system for every language. Visual perception is cognitive, experiential, and less complex than writing.
Our brain process images faster than text according to multiple sources image processing is 60,000 times faster than text.
Visual learners perceive information in form of visuals their learning is best in form of sketches, drawings, images and inforgraphics.
In design education most of the learning happens in visual format. Design is all about visuals whether it’s about critical thinking, ideation, brainstorming, design processes or final design execution. The students are taught to reflect through sketches and drawings. Learners perceive information through designs, artifacts, inforgraphics, maps and other sorts of imagery. A good design learner can communicate effectively through visuals.
In new learning one the visual literacy, learning and education has gained more attention than ever in human history. Through new media the amount of visual information we consume is unprecedented. This brings an enormous opportunity for educators to explore more possibilities for visual learning. For example, social media has created a collective intelligence in many global and local issues whether it is about climate change or human rights the level of awareness among masses due to social media has drastically increased in less than two decades. Having said that accessible technology means a huge responsibility to use it.
Here are some great examples that describe what visual learners often do to learn better. Find it helpful to watch a video or animation that demonstrates a concept or process.
Read books or documents that incorporate images, graphs, or charts next to text, helping them visualize information more effectively.
Enjoy creating flashcards with visual cues, such as images or diagrams, to associate with key information or terms.
Engage in drawing or sketching to help them understand complex concepts.
Find it helpful to watch a video or animation that demonstrates a concept or process.
Create diagrams, flowcharts, or mind maps to visually represent relationships between ideas.
Visual teaching methods are expressed in the forms of:
The presentation of practical experiments, light screenings, film projections to bring a clear and vivid view. Technical equipment, movies, videos. Present models that represent reality in the most objective way and it is also carefully selected to fit in the pedagogical environment. That is the basis for the process of perceiving and comprehending the lecture better.