Classroom Images and Copyright

Throughout the different courses that we had in the AHRD department, a lot have been said about learners, learning theories and instructions. Different theories, approaches, and models were brought to light in an attempt to show how important it is to understand the dynamic of learning, the rationale behind certain instructional models and so forth. Most learning theories and instructional models pay special attention to the initial phase of learning which is gaining learners’ attention. For example, theories like information processing and instructional models like Gagne’s nine events of instruction draw heavily on students’ initial interaction with instructional materials. With that being said, an approach that is sure to grasp learners’ attention across all ages and specialties is that one rich with images and visual instructions.

Dr. Lynell Burmark is an educational consultant who acknowledges the power of visual literacy for successful learning outcomes. Dr. Burmark advocates for using image-rich instructions in classroom simply because information and knowledge is better communicated by visuals.

In her article, Dr. Burmark uses this picture to support her claims that visual communication is mankind’s first attempt to pass out his knowledge to the coming generations. In fact, Dr. Burmark ties visual images to a wider human brain bandwidth which is wired to process visuals faster than texts.

 What does this picture (below)convey to you? Which way is more efficient? to express the feelings in this picture using words or just show you the picture?    

As she goes about her article, Dr. Burmark discusses some of the principles of image construction such as organization and direction of the eyes using tools like color and font type. Overall, the article was meant to evoke questions in teachers’ minds to utilizing multimedia learning in their classes. Moreover, Dr. Burmark mentions in her article different resources through which students and teachers can obtain different visuals, images, videos, and pictures. In my mind, this last idea was worth stating because of what has been going on these days about copyrights which leads to my second part of the blog.

Some important concepts that visual literacy advocates for are universal design, universal knowledge and shared understanding of visual presentation among cultures. In other words, visual instructions are considered to be more powerful and more understandable by most people regardless of their ages and cultures which is what Dr. Burmark aims to get crossed. Yet, where to get these visuals from is another matter. For some people, creating images is not a big matter, while others need to find previously created images to use. I found an interesting presentation regarding the copyright issue by Larry Lessig.

In his presentation*, Larry Lessig provides an intellectual argument to the validity of today’s copyright legacy. Throughout the presentation, Lessig gives a number of examples where the copyright model prohibited universal knowledge. The one example that stands in his presentation is the attempt to change norms and practices by launching Creative Common project CC. CC project aims at enabling people to respect the underlying copyright without requiring the high cost of lawyers.

The presentation raised many questions in my mind and even challenged some of the assumptions that I had.  The fair use was my way of justifying my use of about everything; but, is what I am doing considered fair use. ?  I ask myself ,almost daily, is it legal to use that picture in my PowerPoint? Do I need to refer to the book that inspired me with this idea?  Can I manipulate a certain video or image for personal use or even school work? I, honestly, find it difficult to understand the logic of copyright that prevents universal knowledge from taking place. Coming from a place where copyright is not a big deal, I understand how important it is to protect the creators rights and interests but what I don’t understand is how scientific and educational research could be held hostage by claims of personal creativity and accomplishment; isn’t common good the reason for all those researches and creations? I guess until Creative Common becomes the norm, I will have these questions with me every day.

*The presentation was part of a conference; therefore, the first 30 minutes in the video are some small presentations and discussions by other participants. Actually, the presentation I am aiming for doesn’t start until after 35 minutes and it lasts about 60 minutes. It is a good watch! 

Cigarette Warning Labels

Last fall, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed some changes to the ways that the risks of smoking would be advertised to consumers. The Center for Disease Control issued this PSA to inform consumers about the change.


The proposed images are to be used on all cigarette packaging and are meant to convey some very serious messages. To see all proposed images, go to this FDA warning label web page, and follow the links to each different message (BE PREPARED - SOME IMAGES MAY DISTURB YOU). Here are just a couple examples.

Some of the proposed images are graphic, others could be seen as saddening or scary. It is clear that, no matter what type of image is used, they are all meant to elicit some type of intense emotional response. Some people have been shocked by the images, and others, such as in this CBS cigarette label story, feel that they are not shocking enough.

Regardless of what you think of smoking, do you think that these new images will get the message across? Will people learn from these images? What do you think the FDA is trying to achieve through these proposed warning labels, and will they have the desired effect? How well do the message words and visuals work together?

Creating a Visual Resume

When creating a visual resume, being able to think visually is of vital importance. What do we mean by thinking visually? Visual thinking is defined as thinking in images or pictures. It is the process of using your imagination to translate verbal information into mental images.

While this isn't a difficult task for those with artistic training, it may pose a challenge for those of you who are used to thinking in words. Believe it or not, there are actually exercises you can do to improve your ability to think in pictures! Check out the Visual Thinking Art blog for ideas on how to improve your visual thinking skills.

Visual Metaphor: http://olliesaward.blogspot.com

As you work on your visual resume and begin to translate your professional and educational experience into images, consider ways to use visual metaphors to describe your experience. Some metaphors that have been used in visual resumes are the time line, the subway or bus station, a road map, or a movie. Some creative individuals have used presentations or slide shows to showcase their professional history. Remember, you don't necessarily have to have outstanding art making skills. You just need to know the elements of good design, page layout, and how to design with type. If you don't have the ability or time to create images yourself, consider using images from Flickr Creative Commons.

This blog describes the process a designer went through to create the pictograms for the 2012 Olympics. You will be going through a similar process this semester as you create your visual resume, logos, instructional posters, picture books, etc.

Malcolm Grear Designers specializes in the creation of graphic images for identity, information, branding, marketing, and education. Consider the two images below and the one for the Olympics at the top of the post (by Malcolm Grear). What verbal message is being communicated in each image. Are these effective graphic images? How could they be improved?