Images and Learning Styles

When you think of images you think of visual learners. Yes, images are a great tool for the visual learner but reflect a little more about the types of images you are using and what you are trying to acheive with these images. What other learning styles can benefit from the use of images. I have created this table with this exact thought in mind (it is by no means exhaustive, it could be called a work in progress). The table looks at various images and how different images can be used to create, prompt dicussions or initiate tasks and activities.

In April's blog she has discussed that even with non visual learners, images can become a stimulant for discussion and evaluative thinking.

In Simon's blog he has discussed the benefit of images in a manual arts classroom and the ability for images to stimulate analysis and evaluation of design (Thanks Simon, another use for the kinaesthetic learner).

In Brid's blog she has discussed the benefits of images to engage her, as she is a visual learner.

In Jess's blog she has discussed the use of images in an early childhood setting and also introduced me to a great site to locate thought provoking images, Time magazine's, photo of the week.

Each of these blog entries add a different view to the evaluation of the strengths of images as a tool in the classroom.

The main weakness of images I have concluded is that they are not always relevant and some are purely for decoration. Care should be given to the image choice and the quality (JISC Digital Media 2010). Studies have shown that the use of relevant images can increase a student’s recollection and comprehension of new material, as well as stimulating discussion and promoting interest. (JISC Digital Media 2010).  Inappropriate images for students should also be of concern to a learning manager. By using sites/searches containing image banks specifically for educational purposes will help to overcome this issue.

Students also need to be taught from a very early age the importance of giving attribution for use of images. All to often students cut and paste images into their work with any thought to the ownership of the material.  Until recently this was not something that I had personally thought about but after group discussionson the topic it now something I am very aware of. Students can not use correct procedures unless they are shown them to start with.