Re-written post
Original post: https://medium.com/@GeorgiaKhoury/why-is-it-important-to-understand-the-importance-and-symbolism-of-images-873e518c205b
Re-written post:
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Due to my own experiences, as well as my results from the ‘learning style quiz’ conducted in week six, I identify as a visual learner. I understand the importance and symbolism of images due to the assistance images have provided me with throughout my education. It is important to understand the importance and symbolism of images in order to utilise them to improve individual learning and understanding.
Visual content is immensely important in every part of life as it affects long-term memory, comprehension of information, and emotional engagement ( Gutierrez, 2014). In my educational studies, I commonly utilised images as a method of learning or memorising information which I later visualised in order to recall. As images are stored directly into our long-term memory, in comparison to text which is processed into short-term memory, images are a more beneficial tool for learning-based situations (Guiterrez, 2014). By understanding the reliability of communication through images, we are able to understand the potential of visual content to improve the standard of learning for individuals with difficulty in recalling text-based information. As 65% of the population is made up of visual learners, implementing this pursuit would have widespread impact (Guiterrez, 2014). Within educational professions, this ideal is exceedingly beneficial to implement towards students with special needs, or as an alternative approach to presenting difficult concepts or material. Visual learning can also be implemented within the classroom in conjunction with the other principal learning styles; auditory, reading, and kinaesthetic (Pritchard, 2008). In doing so, students with each learning style will be attended to, and the strengths of each will be utilised.
Understanding the various symbolic meanings of images is also extremely important in order to ensure the correct information is being depicted. Images can be powerful devices for communicating within human-activities and thus must be chosen precariously (diSessa, 1992). As I was introduced to Creative Commons within this unit, I was able to acknowledge the restrictions, or lack of, upon visual content and how this can influence the symbolism of the images. Under Creative Commons, the creator can choose how their work is used, modified and shared (Aitken, 2012). This allows for images to symbolise a variety of information and thus reach a wider audience.
Aitken, P, A. (2012). Creative Commons. The Grove Dictionary of American Music (2nd edition). Retrieved from http://www.oxfordmusiconline.com.ezproxy1.acu.edu.au/subscriber/article/grove/music/A2228168
diSesaa, A.A. (1992). Images of Learning. Computer-Based Learning Environments and Problem Solving. NATO ASI Series, 84, pg19–40. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-77228-3_2
Gutierrez, K. (2014). Studies Confirm the Power of Visuals in eLearning [blog]. Retrieved from http://info.shiftelearning.com/blog/bid/350326/studies-confirm-the-power-of-visuals-in-elearning
Pritchard, A. (2008). Ways of Learning Learning Theories and Learning Styles in the Classroom. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/acu/detail.action?docID=362327
