ERIC ED380091: The Impact of Electronic Visualization: Concerns and Delimitations.

8 Pages·1995·0.29 MB·English

by  ERIC

DOCUMENT RESUME
IR 017 012
ED 380 091
Buck, Mary
AUTHOR
The Impact of Electronic Visualization: Concerns and
TITLE
Delimitations.
[95]
PUB DATE
8p.; In: Imagery and Visual Literacy: Selected
NOTE
Readings frbm the Annual Conference of the
International Visual Literacy Association (26th,
Tempe, Arizona, October 12-16, 1994); see IR 016
977.
Speeches/Conference Papers (150)
PUB TYPE
MFO1 /PCO1 Plus Postage.
EDRS PRICE
*Bias; Business; Computer Graphics; Computer Uses in
DESCRIPTORS
Educatiox; *Cultural Background; Design Requirements;
Educational Background; *Educational Media; Graphic
Arts; *Imagery; Instructional Design; Multimedia
Materials; *Production Techniques; Training Methods;
Visual Arts; *Visual Learning; Visual Literacy
Gender Issues
IDENTIFIERS
ABSTRACT
In response to the challenge of media technology and
(1) presents
classroom cultural and educational diversity, this paper
literature on the suggestive powers of
a brief overview of historical
(2) analyzes the influence
visual images in business and education,
production/selection of
of audience diversity and biases during the
of new
visual presentations, and (3) considers the delimiting form
have
media presentations. Pedagogical and technological concerns
enhanced learning environments
grown since the emergence of visually
in the allied fields of business and education. Newly formed
and
businesses which specialize in the creation of computergenerated
growing new media
controlled images are examples of profitable and
consultation for
companies, which provide production, training, and
costeffectiveness are
their clients. Production and training, and
sophisticated electronic
concerns for educational institutions as
of using new
tools are implemented in classrooms. The advantages
include easy
technology for creation and display of visual images
manipulation to fit the customized needs of the user and saved
that
production time and energy. In contrast, research suggests
media
images are also able to detract from learning, so new
training in design
productions can prove detrimental without proper
principles and awareness o" related issues. Media producers can
sensitivity to
obtain positive results not only by skill but also by
reflection, along with
such issues as adverse reflection, equal
cultural background, gender, and
awareness of target audience's
(MAS)
ethnir. biases. (Contains 16 references.)
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Visualization:
The Impact of Electronic
Concerns and Delimitations
THIS
"PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE
U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
BY
MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED
Once of Educahont Research and Improvement
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION
Alice Walkcr
CENTER tERICI
This document has Peen reproduced as
Mary Buck
received from tne person Or orgarurabon
OfOinal.ng
Min Or changes have been mare to improve
reproduction quality
RESOURCES
TO THE EDUCATIONAL
Potn Is of view or opinions slaIed'n inis docu
INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC)."
ment do not necessarily represent otfictal
OE RI position or policy
In contrast to traditional
Old testament proverbs, chil-
media, computer-generated presen-
dren's well-loved bedtime stories,
tations have extended abilities.
and The Wall Street Journal hold
Computers incorporate and manipu-
several things in commonstrange
late video, photography, audio,
happenings,
news, hard to explain
special sound effects, animation,
and visual images which can per-
or perplex the
line art, gray-scale images, color
reader.
turb
photos, and text.
Graphical images can, additionally,
influence, teach, inform, motivate,
Moreover, new media produc-
persuade, and captivate audiences.
tion can receive and control input
from devices including telephones,
In telling our human stories,.
satellites, compact and laser disks,
we practice the science and art
of
electronic pens, touch screens, high
blending illustration and words for
and low resolution scanners, and
audience impact. The desire for par-
(Allen, 1994)
even "smart agents"
ticular audience reactions and
which permit multiaodal entry of
results has led to a growing interest
data. Thus, pedagogical and techno-
in a specialized mixture of class-
logical concerns have enlarged
along
room pedagogy, computers,
since the emergence of these visual-
with oral and visual communication
ly enhanced learning environments
theories and practices during pre-
in the allied fields of education and
sentations.
business.
Background
Business
Visual presentations generat-
Newly formed businesses
ed and controlled by computers
which specialize in the creation of
pattern traditional media presenta-
images generated and controlled by
tions in several ways. Both seek to
computers such as Graphix Zone in
produce and incorporate visual
Santa Ana, California and New
information for their audiences;
Horizon Computer Learning Center
both require time, investments,
located in Irvine, California, are
skills, and competencies.
examples of profite'-.'..) and growing
IVLA - 331
0
4,
new media companiesone in train-
classroom environment. However,
ing
and
not all teachers would become mul-
in commercial
one
timedia producers. In addition to
productions. They provide produc-
time and budget, visualization uti-
tion, training, and consultation for
lizing new media technology
their clients. Both companies rely
requires the continuing recognition
on the continued growth and viable
of the many, often opposing issues
applications of new media presen-
of culture, class, ethnic background,
tations.
along with the individualized learn-
ing styles of which all audiences are
Education
composed.
Production and training
Au (1993) defines the cul-
issues alsc hold true for our educa-
ture found in the classroom to
tional institutions as implementa-
include the ethnic biases of
tion of the current sophisticated
instructor and learner, in addition
electronic tools in our classrooms
to class or socio-economic status
take hold. Like new media produc-
and their learning language pref-
tion companies, administrators face
erence. This definition places the
similar problems in instituting
issue of cultural and educational
change in the classroom.
Incor-
diversity as an important concern
porating change in the classroom
and challenge to all in the main-
involves budget, instruction, and
stream classroom environment:
training issues.
Population trends make it clear
All teachers eventually face
that the schooling z.If students of
the challenge of incorporating to
diverse backgrounds cannot be
some degree the new media commu-
seen as an issue to be addressed
nications channels for use in their
through special remedial programs
Photography, Animation,
Art, Black & White;
Line
Color Visuals
Text
Music, Sound,
Television, Cable, Video, CD's, and other
Special effects
Electronic Transmission Data Sources
Elements of a Computer-Cont oiled Multimedia Presentation
figure 1
IVLA -332 3
and the Human Brain. In addition,
that target just a small number of
Hodes (1990) found that imagery
Instead,
students in each school.
was a "prominent cognitive process
we will need to make major changes
in the approaches we use in the
for the retention of information in
regular classroom and throughout
all learning situations" (p.3). Hodes
the school system as a whole. (p.
summarizes mental and visual
3)
images as having the ability to act
and
as: (1) facilitator, (2) mediator,
111MIIINIMINOM
Focus of Cha
(3) historian. She suggests that
images may provide the necessary
link between a novice learner and
In response to this challenge,
successful completion of a new
this paper will: (1) present a brief
task.
overview of historical literature on
the suggestive powers of visual
Visual communicators have
images in business and education,
historically understood the power of
(2) analyze the influence of audience
the image to motivate the viewer.
diversity and biases during the pro-
However, only in the last decade has
duction/selection of visual presenta-
research results suggested that
tions, (3) consider the delimiting
visuals themselves are highly
form of new media presentations.
biased in their very nature. For
example, Berger (1989) writes:
Literature Review
The first thing we must recognize
Past research suggests that
is that we don't just "see" but
visual images have the ability to
have to learn how to see and what
influence the viewers' emotional
and what we decide to
to see .
responses.
.
and
physiological
. .
see is determined by what we
Ability, according to The World Book
know and what we believe and
Dictionary, emphasizes an inborn
what we want. (p. 25)
Its defini-
talent or existing skill.
tion reads "the power to do or act ...
Thus, culture plays a major
the power to do something special."
role in the creation, understanding,
and interpretation of visual images
Graphical images affect how
business and
education.
for
ourselves
we see and understand
Houghton and Willows (1987) found
and how we see, understand, and
that:
uniquely relate to the environment.
Research suggests that images
Presenting a picture of an unfa-
processed by the brain muscle can
miliar object or animal to a child in a
be internally and/or externally stim-
pictorially oriented culture can be
-dated as proposed by Renate and
educational; but in a context such as
Geoffrey Caine (1991) in their book
an agricultural extension scheme,
titled Making Connections Teaching
IVL,A - 333
not otherwise hod the mainstream
familiarity with the depicted object
view but watch a lot of television
is basic to understanding. (p. 59)
will be" influenced over time, in the
direction of moving toward the
Effective images are useful in
the learning environment because
mainstream" (p. 193).
they act as signals to the- learner.
The learner utilizes effective visuals
Moreover, Liebert and Spraf-
as clues and cues in the classroom
kin after reviewing the work of
during the learning process.
Huesmann and his associates (1986)
Research suggests that training
found that televised images showed
which includes visualization of
clear and significant relation-
. a
Ct.
.
ship between exposure to TV
material content provides "... signif-
icant improvement in teachers'
violence at age 8 and the serious-
clarity and ability to produce stu-
ness of criminal acts performed by
dent learning"
(Metcalf and
these individuals 22 years later, at
Cruickshank, 1991).
age 30." Thus, electronic televised
images affect viewers of all ages.
Audience Diversity
With new media technology,
televisions and computers now have
One picture can hold thou-
the ability to share those same
sands of individualized interpreta-
images. In addition, computers,
tions. Current research suggests
through simulations, allow users
that a broader awareness of the dif-
access to an environment that mod-
ferences and biases in personalized
els real and imaginary microworlds
image-meaning is extremely valu-
(Rieber, 1994).
able for multimedia presenters (Au,
Past research suggests that
1993; Gollnick & Chinn, 1994).
visuals in computer simulations can
Further research shows tele-
also have a positive impact and
vision provides major contributions
enhance instruction and the learn-
to the bank of visual information
ing process. However, additional
available to the masses (Biagi,
findings indicate that visuals can
1990). For example, studies in the
have no effect or may even detract
field television suggest that stereo-
from the learning experience for the
typical images influenced a frequent
user.
viewers social understandings more
than non-frequent viewer according
Over the years, a wide array
to Liebert and Sprafkin (1988).
of literature has proven the effec-
of using visuals
tiveness
in
Findings on televised images
presentations. Today's technology
and the influence on viewers sug-
takes us even further by opening
gest that "individuals who would
new avenues and applications. Past
IVLA - 334
ways to render 2 dimensional and 3
research provides a foundation for
dimensional static and animated
encouraging graphical images in
learning environments. Current
text and objects.
research is concerned with how new
Users and creators of visual
media images are selected, manipu-
graphics are no longer bound by tra-
lated, and applied for improved
labor
and
methods
ditional
effectiveness and enhancement of
intensive work. Instead, computer
learning.
software easily permits electronic
manipulation of photographs along
Creation Methods
with page layouts to users after a
short instructional introduction.
Illustration programs offer enhance-
Although the image-making
ment techniques practiced by
process is recorded as far back as
skilled artisans and trained special-
the pictograph painted on the stone
ists.
walls of early man, images for insti-
tutionalized educational purposes in
Computers provide a quick
the United Sates appeared only in
the past 300 hundred years
and easy way to produce high quali-
for business and
visuals
ty
(Diringer, 1982). Methods of creat-
educational uses. How ev er,n ew
ing and incorporating visual images
technology holds both advantages
into presentations oftentimes
required the mastery of various
and disadvantages.
skilled visual artists.
Advantages
The first illustrated text used
The application for computer-
for educational purposes in early
generated images are many and
colonial times included black and
Electronic images are eas-
white drawings and an illustrated
diverse.
ily manipulated thus fitting the
alphabet intended to instruct the
customized needs of the user. For
These
young learners of the time.
example one multi-platform soft-
images were created using the
program,
presentation
ware
available materials such as plant
PowerPoint, produced by Microsoft
dyes, inks, and other nature-sup-
Corporation for use in business and
plied media.
education, offers many advantages
for both the occasional and
In contrast, today's electronic
advanced presenters.
imagemaking and reeording con-
sists of positive and negative
PowerPoint provides the abil-
electron charges recorded in a cath-
ity to the multimedia producer of
ode ray tube. New image rendering
presenting in various modes--black
software enters the market every
and white, gray-scale, as well as
month touting better, faster, easier
IVLA - 335
training in design principles and
access to a full range 16.7 million
awareness of related issues from
colors. In contrast to the traditional
methods which utilize pen, paper,
other fields such as education, new
and available inks to display infor-
media technology, and visual litera-
mation, electronic presentation
cy, computer presentations may
programs can also prove cost effec-
have no effect or worse yet harm the
tive in the long run since the
viewer's learning experience.
presenter often takes on the various
Instruction and training in
production roles. The presenter may
design principles is essential even
adopt the roles of producer, writer,
artist, and editor thus maintaining
for advanced computer users who
complete control instead of hiring
are now entering the field of visual
graphic display and who themselves
out, thus, cutting expenses.
are motivated by the emotional
Other advantages of using
appeal of images created by current
advertising.
new technology for creation and dis-
play of visual images include saving
production time and energy.
Summar
Presentation programs frequently
provide pre-produced clipart and
In Hollywood, a good picture
access to hundreds of images includ-
holds the power to weave a story,
ed on compact discs.
capture the audiences' attention,
and provide specific results. The
CD's containing clipart files
are, even for first time users, easily
same holds true for today's electron-
ic learning environments utilizing
accessed, often with a few clicks of
new media production tools and
the mouse. If no pre-packaged art is
included, drawing tools such as
devices. Well-designed images lead,
lines, squares, circles, elliptical and
along with practice and the develop-
ment of production skills, to
specialized shapes and color fills are
available along with an issortment
presentations which generate audi-
of patterns, fills, and gradients to
ence interest and participation, and
add the necessary elements of visu-
an enriched learning experience.
al variety and interest.
High-impact and persuasive
Disadvantages
images make a difference in the
As is the
learning environment.
In contrast, new media pro-
case with traditional media presen-
ductions can however prove visually
tations, the use of well chosen and
disastrous. As research suggests
placed visual illustrations in multi-
images are able to (1) enhance, (2)
media presentations can lead to
have no effect, or (3) detract from
better productivity and increased
learning. Thus, without the proper
effectiveness in the classroom as
7
IVLA - 336
Blackstock, 3. & Miller L. (1992). The impact of
well as the meeting room (Kupsh &
new information technology on young
Graves, 1993).
children's symbol-weaving efforts.
Computers Educ, 18 (I-3), 209-221.
Balance, proportion, unity,
Caine, R., & Caine, G. (1991). Making
and symmetry continue as ear-
connections. Teaching and the human
marks of pleasing visual design.
brain. Virginia: ASCD.
Both past and present research also
Diringer, D. (1982) The book before printing
suggest that visual images whether
Ancient. medieval and oriental. New York:
mentally or visually stimulated can
Dover.
lead to an enhanced learning expe-
Gollnick, D. & Chinn, P. (1994). Multicultural
rience particularly for the novice
education in a.,ph.iralistic society. New
learner when a hands-on learning
York: Macmillan College Publishing.
environment is not available.
Hodes, C. (1990). Symbol-weaving and young
children reading and writing practices.
What we see with our mind is
Dissertation Abstracts International, 42,
known to be more complex than
4370A-4371A. (University Microfilms N.
what we see with our optical sensor,
82-06, 181)
the eye. Research suggests that
Houghton, H. A. & Willows D. M. (Eds.) (1987).
graphical images can affect the
The psycholoev of illustration. New York,
viewer in several ways--positive,
New York: Springer-Verlag.
negative, and ineffectual. For new
Huesmann, L.R. (1986). Psychological processes
media producers, positive results
promoting the relation between exposure
skill but by
are obtained not only by
to media violence and aggressive behavior
sensitivity to such issues as adverse
by the viewer. Journal of Social Issues, 42,
reflection, equal portrayal, along
125-139.
with awareness of target audience's
Kupsh, J. & Graves, P. (1993). I-low to create
cultural background, gender, and
high impact bu,sness presentations.
These issues become
ethnic biases.
Chicago: NTC.
major considerations when selecting
Liebert, R. & Sprafkin, J. (1988). The early
and dei=gning images for inclusion
window: F.:ffects of television on children
in computer-controlled new media
and youth,. New York, New York:
presentations.
Pergamon Press.
References
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teachers be trained to make clear
Journal of Educational
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IVLA - 337
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