LEARNING TO THE 21st! - Reflection Paper

DR. JUNG LEE IS THE MAD HATTER OF MAIT!

PEEK-A-BOO!

My Course Reflection...

 I can't believe that our last class is this week! Wow... it seems like only yesterday we were meeting in the IT Lab with Dr. Lee for the first time (quickly migrating to the seminar room in 2-17) on January 20th. Now, we are at the end of the road, at least for this course. We've had quite a journey since the beginning, and the memories of each class flicker in my mind like a photo album of visual learning.

 This class reminded me of my undergraduate education at Rowan University as a Communication: Radio/TV/Film student, wherein I would study various mediums of mass media and their effectiveness and overall impact on people through sight and sound. Exploring the spectrum of visual communication in this class has proven to be nothing short of sheer enlightenment. I enjoyed each class and the learning that transpired from conversation and instruction.

 Our first class together was long, but very informative and enlightening! Following that class, we were given the assignment of reading "The Visual Literacy White Paper" and completing a summary of the article, thus commencing our readings of various articles of or relating to visual design. I learned much from these readings and my perspective has been enhanced. It was a lot of fun identifying visual symbols to represent who I am as a person. Furthermore, I think that I have changed as a person as a result of this class.

 In regard to my teaching, I have begun to incorporate more visual literacy techniques and strategies to promote student identification and utilization of images as symbols and metaphors. It's important for students, especially within the realm of language arts to be able to comprehend information that is abstract in nature. Imagination is a key component to learning, and I believe that we should do more to engage students in educational opportunities in which they can explore their creative side. I have a wealth of new ideas and a newfound perspective on this as a result of my coursework for this class.

 Overall, this class proved to be interesting and worthwhile. I really liked the different types of projects that we were assigned, because I feel like I took different things from each. However, I did feel that the article summaries were a little much. I think that the class could have benefited more through collegial conversation as opposed to written summaries. Nonetheless, it's just an idea. I can't believe it's over, but as with most things in life, as one door closes - another opens. See you next week, Dr. Lee!

21st Century Bloom's Taxonomy!

Contemplative Pause...

"The greatest need of our time is to clean out the enormous mass of mental and emotional rubbish that clutters our minds and makes of all political and social life a mass illness. Without this housecleaning we cannot begin to see. Unless we see, we cannot think. Nothing can take the place of thoughts. If we do not think, we cannot act freely." -Thomas Merton, Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander (New York: Image) 77 and 79.



Contemplative Pause...

 

Throughout this week... PAUSE.

 

TAKE A BREATH and LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART.

 
 

        What is one thing

that you can do

                      in this moment

to spring clean?

SIGNS

What is a SIGN?

 The Free Dictionary defines a sign as "something that suggests the presence or existence of a fact, condition, or quality."

 I have my own personal definition of the word. A sign is a conveyor of information. It's a beacon of truth in the sea of reality. Signs provide us with direction and guidance throughout our travels in life and help us to best understand the terms and conditions of our journey. It is the sign that allows us to steer clear of certain things that may cause us trouble and misfortune OR conversely send us en route to clarity and progress toward our goals and objectives.

 Signs have a great purpose in society as an agent of information to people that identify with them to conduct themselves accordingly or simply best understand their environment, but as the times change and the environment is altered, the overall importance of certain signs diminishes. While these signs might have held significance and pertinence in yesteryear, their relevance is now obsolete or unnecessary altogether.

Here are a few examples of signs that are going extinct

and the signs that are being born as a result:

"Dead End" signs are now being replaced by "No Outlet" signs, which is widely considered more politically correct.

While the comedy-tragedy masks still serve as theatrical signs for performing arts, most people tend to relate the Hollywood sign with anything relative to entertainment.

This is a hand sign signifying peace or victory (a rude hand gesture when shown back side out) has been in use for a very long time; some saying that it’s use as an obscene gesture dates back to medieval times. Yet, this timeless hand sign has faded to make room for other hand signs of more controversial nature.

 

This hand sign - once a sign of good luck - is now seen as a symbol of ROCK N ROLL! 

When I was in middle school, my parents got us hooked up to America Online, otherwise known as AOL. It was great because it was a new and fresh way of communicating with new people and keeping in touch with friends and family. Do you remember chat rooms? I get a laugh out of it now, because so much has changed...

Last year, Facebook beat out Google as the #1 most visited place on the world wide web. AOL is not the place to go for social networking anymore. Facebook is the only friend you need for that.


 I'd imagine that as time goes on, signs will continue to change as necessary. One thing is for sure though. As long as people need information, signs will be EVERYWHERE.

Nic's Discoveries: SOCIAL LEARNING COMMUNITY

C4LPT: "Social Learning Community – Analysis of s successful start up" from @alc47 http://bit.ly/fwb28L​

Nic's Discoveries: SOCIAL LEARNING COMMUNITY:

"In just 3 weeks, Jane Hart’s (www.c4lpt.co.uk) new Yammer based Social Learning Community (http://www.c4lpt.co.uk/community.html) has exploded..."

This is GREAT! I hope social learning continues to grow and expand, so that the hearts and minds of students and teachers alike can be enriched by the insights and imaginations of others.

100 Awesome Open Courses and Lectures for Digital Artists!

LIVE TO LOVE. LOVE TO LEARN. LEARN TO CREATE!
100 Awesome Open Courses & Lectures for Digital Artists!

"Brand Storytelling In The Social Media Era" - Article Summary

 "Brand Storytelling In The Social Media Era" is an article that exposes the successful methods of branding a product through storytelling in the digital realm that truly resonates and connects to people on a meaningful level. The article explores mythological brands and mythic brands, citing that brands with great stories that "inspire people and connect with them emotionally" enjoy greater success.

  The article seeks to answer the question, "What is the state of storytelling for brands today?" According to Seth Godin, “…if I were trying to invent a mythic brand, I’d want to be sure that there was a story, not just a product or a pile of facts. That story would promise (and deliver) a heroic outcome. And there needs to be growth and mystery as well, so the user can fill in her own blanks.” Essentially, Godin is suggesting that in order to create a mythic brand, or a marketable story/concept/idea, then one must provide the consumer of information with the opportunity to think with their brains and feel with their hearts.

 The article provides a few ways in which brands can hook their audience and engage them in good ol' fashioned storytelling.

• Embrace consumers' stories. Basically, the article is suggesting that by allowing for direct involvement and participation by the consumer, they will ultimately feel a greater sense of attachment to the product and its purpose.
• Make use of the moment. In the generation of YouTube, people want their information FAST. It is pivotal that producers are up to speed and in the loop with the latest and greatest. Your ability to produce a meaningful story with brevity is essential. Thus, the use of current videos and themes has become exceedingly popular in this regard.
• Say it with a video. The article also expresses the necessity for video, stating that, "If a picture is worth a thousand words, then you do the math on how much a 4 minute video is worth." Short films and other methods of abbreviated storytelling are being used commercially now more than ever. The reason for this...? STORIES SELL PRODUCTS! People like to hear a good story, and if the product advertised has appeal or utility, then you can rest assured that there is likely a potential customer in the viewer.
• Mix the online/offline world. In the article, it states that, "American Scientist magazine‘s research on what affects people’s buying decisions more: a picture of a product, a description of it, or the real thing, revealed that the people who saw the real thing were willing to pay, on average, 50% more. Digital plays a big part in our purchasing decisions, but gaining the customer in-store is still a battle to be won. So what does this mean? That you should extend the tread of your story from the online to the offline world and vice versa."
• Go Mobile. The articles states, "Nowadays you must reach out to your audience and deliver the message one to one. You need to find them wherever they are and when they are on the go." Everyone has a cell phone, and to most people it is a lifeline without which they would not be able to live or function within society. Companies are using cell phones as agents of digital storytelling to promote their product via phone apps.
• Spread your message across different touchpoints. Ultimately, this suggestion is promoting the use of storytelling through web series. Meaning, companies should utilize a thematic structure according to their logo and image and then produce a series of spots that follow a common storyline, so that people can connect the dots and make a mental investment in the product being advertised.
• Bring your A game. These days, telling a story about a product in the digital landscape is difficult. Times are tough and money is tight. Telling a story about a product that resonates and grows within its 21st century audience to the point of commercial success is rare. Yet, if the digital story has all of the major elements of a good story, then it doesn't matter if it is about a product or not, because it will stay with the viewer and perhaps even be retold to friends and family, not to mention other potential consumers of the product, for its narrative quality. Companies must be innovative and imaginative to tell these types of stories.

 Overall, I found the article to be very interesting and a unique perspective on digital storytelling. It seems very apparent that many companies are using digital storytelling as a means of marketing their product in the 21st century. Yet, the basic methodology of using stories as a means of selling units is not incredibly archaic.Think about it... Companies have used television shows and movies for product placement for decades in attempt to increase sales. Now, it looks like companies don't need to rely on Hollywood to provide storytelling opportunities for successful marketing of their products.

READ THE ARTICLE.

The Creativity Crisis

The Creativity Crisis

 The article, The Creativity Crisis, was an interesting read. This article describes that creativity is “production of something original and useful.” What are we not doing in the great United States of America that other countries are? Why are the youth of this great country posting failing scores? Have we turned into the land of the failure, home of the braindead?

 There are so many areas in which we need creativity to improve our way of living. Creativity is not just for the artsy person, but for the responsible and civic-minded individual - which should be all of us. It is essential that we look at things in different ways and aspire to enhance the quality of it. Creativity inspires both men and women to bring about new ways of helping the world, such as presenting ideas for government policy, advancing medicine, and simply developing new technology for better living.

 You could say that kids don't have to imagine or create fun for themselves, because they can just turn on the TV and play their video games, which oftentimes do the thinking for them.  

 You could also say that our schools are more about standardized tests and rote memorization, which really promotes the opposite of creativity since it's really replication of knowledge or communicating information that is already know and accepted.

 Creativity in the youth of America is dying because of these factors. We need to instill problem solving learning and focus on true critical thinking skills. Is it possible? Other countries are doing it and enjoying great success. It requires practice. Creativity is teachable. However, it will only be learned if the teachers come up with creative ideas, like those from Akron, Ohio did.  

 The article states that a creative-problem solving program has the highest success in increasing childrens creativity, observed William & Mary’s Kem.

 Creativeness doesn’t come easy once children hit grades 4 and up. Yet, the methodology can and should be supported by teachers who are willing to look beyond the conventional way of learning.

 Among the findings of creative adults, Mihaly Czikszentmihalyi & Gary Gute, found that “parents of creative children provided stability and met their required needs but in turn expected uniqueness and challenged them to develop skills.“ I suppose this speaks to the fact that the foundation of a student's education and creative capacity derives from learning that happens at home. I hope the parents are listening...

Bad Design for a Bathroom...

This

is

just

BAD DESIGN...

 If you couldn't tell from the looks of it, this is not an ideal design for a restroom. The purpose of a restroom is to provide people with a place to go to do their business in privacy. These urinals are entirely too close in proximity to provide any man with a sense of privacy. In fact, I would imagine that if two men attempted to use these two urinals at the same time, they would most likely be joined at the hips... literally. Nonetheless, I think it is fairly obvious that this is an example of bad design.

 As you can see, the urinals are not the only place where you can fall victim to bad design. When the stalls don't touch the walls, you have a problem. Unless there is a lock on the door to ensure that you are not getting any company, then this is certainly an instance of bad design. I think I'd wait to get home before utilizing this pot as dumping grounds. If not for my own personal privacy, then simply to save others from a show that they would probably not want to see.

 In any case, it is evident that bad design in a restroom can compromise and negate the privacy factor in a place where anyone should be able to feel safe from intrusion. People are most vulnerable in a restroom, since they are exposing parts of a very private nature, so it is essential that restrooms offer a private setting for people to do their business.

Semiotics - Summary

Semiotics can be defined as not only the study of signs and symbols, but also what they mean and how they relate to things, concepts or ideas.  The founder of semiotics was Ferdinand de Saussure.  It was his theories that served as a foundation and laid the groundwork for developments that would continue in linguistics in the twentieth century.  The article states, “Semiotics represents a range of studies in art, literature, anthropology, and mass media rather than an independent, academic discipline. Those involved in the study of semiotics include linguists, philosophers, psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists, literary, aesthetic and media theorists, psychoanalysts and educationalists. Beyond the most basic definition, there is considerable variation amongst leading semioticians as to what semiotics involves. It is not only concerned with (intentional) communication, but also with our ascription of significance to anything in the world.”  As for this approach, beginning in the late 1960’s, a new movement took semiotics to new heights.  The article concludes, “While formerly the emphasis was on studying sign systems (language, literature, cinema, architecture, music, etc.), conceived of as mechanisms that generate messages, what is now being examined is the work performed through them."

 So, why would we care to study this?  There are several reasons why we should, but I feel that the most important purpose correlates with a quote from Daniel Chandler.  He states, "'Common sense' suggests that 'I' am a unique individual with a stable, unified identity and ideas of my own. Semiotics can help us to realize that such notions are created and maintained by our engagement with sign systems: our sense of identity is established through signs. We derive a sense of 'self' from drawing upon conventional, pre-existing repertoires of signs and codes . . .. We are thus the subjects of our sign systems rather than being 'users' who are fully in control of them."

(Daniel Chandler, Semiotics: The Basics, Routledge, 2006)

"Storytelling as an Instructional Method: Descriptions and Research Questions"

 This paper explores the "theoretical and empirical foundations of the use of storytelling in instruction." It focuses on 4 instructional methods: case-based, narrative-based, scenario-based, and problem-based instruction. The paper delineates between foundational work and theories.

1. CASE-BASED INSTRUCTION: "...the problem and the solution are fixed and the learner is positioned as an outside observer relative to specific situations in the past" (Barnes, Christensen, & Hansen, 1994).
2. NARRATIVE-BASED INSTRUCTION: "Emotional engagement or entertainment is a central purpose of narrative and sets it apart from the other methods."
3. SCENARIO-BASED INSTRUCTION: "...the problem is characterized by the fixed solution criteria and the learner is positioned in an interactive, real-time experience that allows for a variety of solution paths" (Salas, Wilson, Priest, & Guthrie, 2006).
4. PROBLEM-BASED INSTRUCTION: "...ill structured with no preformed solution criteria or parameters (Hmelo-Silver, 2004,; Savery, 2006) and the learner is positioned as the director of learning activities" (Barrows, 1980).

 Storytelling has been used for thousands of years, both written and orally delivered by cultures that did not have written language. Stories were used as instructional tools. The following genres were popular in this cultural storytelling:

• parables
• myths
• legends
• fables
• real life examples

 According to the paper, technology is making storytelling more popular as an instructional tool. The paper states that its intent is to "identify some of the current projects and relevant literature that serve to lay a groundwork for further research."

I HATE STEVEN SINGER! - Creative Advertisement

 When people see the word 'hate', they intrinsically consider the opposite, which is love. This is not to say that the word 'hate' communicates the concept and ideals of love, but still echoes due to its polarity and opposition with the word identified. That's just the way that people think (or at least that is what I think). Our minds do not process information through a lens of black and white. For instance, just to play on those specific colors... when we see the color black, we think of the color white, since it is the opposite. Furthermore, the color black does not simply promote identification and understanding of that color alone, because everything has context. Ultimately, when we see something, we take different things into consideration based upon our schema and how the thing we see relates to other things. Thus, when we see the word 'hate', the same effect results, causing us to interpret through a schematic lens that probably infers the thought of love.

 

 I think that this advertisement is very creative and clever. The billboard reads, "I HATE STEVEN SINGER!", which leads one to ask the following questions:

• Who is Steven Singer?

• Why would someone hate Steven Singer?

• What is the billboard advertising?

 Regardless of the answers to the aforementioned questions, one thing is accomplished... PEOPLE ARE THINKING ABOUT STEVEN SINGER. The seed has been planted. Now, people who are intrigued enough by the ad will check out the website to learn more about Steven Singer and why people "HATE" him, only to find that many people actually LOVE him, because they are satisfied customers that found the perfect testament of their love and adoration for a spouse within his store.


 I love the simplicity of the billboard as well. It really lets the message stand out above all else, which in turn leaves the person driving by and seeing it to only form a modest understanding of what Steven Singer is all about. Again, allowing them to form questions. Most people have a natural thirst for knowledge, and those that aspire to know more and attempt figure out who the "I" is in the "I HATE STEVEN SINGER" ad will come to conclude that the first person speaking must be the voice of competition in the jewelry market.

Advertising: STEREOTYPE VS. ANTI-STEREOTYPE

"Map Skills" and "Higher-Order Thinking"

14.  Demographics and Deception

 The article explains how "a visual map is so immediate and powerful, we rarely question it." One of the reasons for this pertains to how our brain processes visual stimuli. In the article, it explains, "On the right side of our brain, we process visual information and analyze words and numbers on the left." The best explanation as to why visual text is quicker and more efficient than words and numbers is due to the fact that when we look at a map, we see the information and don't need to necessarily interpret or analyze data; "it looks finished and there is no analysis necessary." There are certain factors that will make a map enticing (although, having the right data is most essential). Color and hue are important factors as well - the darker and more vibrant it is - the better. Reds and blues are the most vibrant colors, thus, the most effective.

 In the article, it states that the "most beneficial" or useful tool on the map is the scale. The key on the map will hold any information that is needed to best understand the means to navigate. Scales have to be linear and logarithmic. Although confusing to most people, the logarithmic style can distinguish between very small and very big things." It also helps when there is a lot of data to present. The more common scale would be the linear. It is used more often and is more "intuitive than the logarithmic."

 The article also mentions the lawsuit - that was eventually dismissed - in which AT&T claimed Verizon was using deliberate deception to attract users. The viewer was drawn to the area instead of the population. The data was not as strong as the visual impression that overpowered it.

 In the article, it credits Mark Newman with the "solution of using a computer algorithm to create a cartogram, which would display how the regions' size is not proportional to it’s land area, but to it’s importance in the data being communicated."

Overall, the article was an interesting read.

Here are a few "map-related suggestions" that the article provides to help students figure out what they don’t know about maps:

1. Use lots and lots of maps. Use as many maps, and as many different kinds of maps, as you possibly can. Maps are all over the internet; you can find a map showing just about anything. (The links throughout this edition will give you some ideas.)
2. Use bad maps. If you teach a subject where this is remotely appropriate, look for examples of bad maps (and other bad visuals) in the news and take a few minutes to analyze them as a class. (Try to avoid complete cynicism, though. It’s easy to start thinking that everybody is lying to you, when most often, the mapmakers and graphic designers just didn’t have the time or resources to think the problem through and execute it carefully.)
3. Use maps up front. Let students wrestle with maps on their own, before they read a related text. That way, they’ll be forced to interpret the map for themselves.
4. Role-playing. Try to think of a real-world use for any given map and ask students to put themselves in the position of someone trying to use it. I mentioned, above, a map of Chinese economic production. In that case, suppose you were the CEO of an American company looking to build a factory in China. Where should you put it? Does this map give you what you need to know? What else would you need to know, and where could you find it?

16. High-Tech Maps: Education or Eye Candy?

 Well, I have to admit, I am a Google addict. I use Google for pretty much EVERYTHING. I don't think that there is a single greater technology available to people. Best of all, it's FREE!

 Now, I have used Google Earth before, and it is pretty amazing. This article really explores the web-based program a great deal, and I found some of the information about utility to be of the utmost interest while other research-based findings to be rather lackluster.

 For instance, there was a study performed in 1997 to address the question of, "Are 'interactive' maps and tools like Google Earth more effective than print?" According to the 2 week study, there is no solid evidence to support either side. So, the research findings were not successful. Thus, the focus was not so much on research, but instead application.

 I found the tutorial information and tips on the various ways of using Google Earth to be very insightful, and perhaps if I was teaching geography, it would be heavenly! However, that's not to say that I can't find uses in the English/LAL classroom, because the setting of a story is a big part of literature, and there is perhaps no better way to navigate the natural world than by doing it via Google Earth.

 Furthermore, the article also gets into Google Maps - not as cool, lesson plans, and the cost-benefit analysis of using Google Earth. I think David Walbert is a Google addict as well. Overall, I enjoyed the article, but it did not really provide me with too much information that I didn't already know.

"Credibility" and "The Impact of Aesthetics"

Credibility and The Impact of Aesthetics On Attitudes Towards Websites -  Article Summaries

CREDIBILITY by Susanne Furman

 In Credibility, the concept of credibility is examined and explored. The term itself is defined in the article as 'believability or trustworthy' by Dictionary.com. Most scholars are said to believe that the idea of credibility is a "perceived quality" and that there are two key components that serve as pillars for the concept: trustworthiness and expertise.





DICTIONARY.COM

trustworthy - worthy of being trusted; honest, reliable, or dependable

expertise - special skill, knowledge, or judgment; expertness


FACTORS IMPACTING CREDIBILITY
  Appearance is a key factor in whether something, such as a website, is deemed as credible. If a website doesn't look professional, then odds are that people are not going to regard it with any level of seriousness when considering the information being communicated. Take certain magazines for instance, such as Sun and Globe. The images on the cover typically scream with fiction, so the content inside, no matter how valid or factual it may be, lacks credibility. A show like TMZ documents real events and activities involving celebrities, but it does not have credibility due to the fact that the "paparazzi" has garnered a name for itself that is not very reputable. Reputation and appearance are certainly two of the biggest indicators of trustworthiness and expertise. The article highlights specific factors impacting credibility of websites, as seen below:

• Younger respondents (age < 27.9 years) were harsher on sites that had typos or broken links.
• Men assigned lower credibility ratings overall.
• Respondents, who completed graduate schools, as compared to those with no college experience, assigned more credibility to Web sites that conveyed markers of trustworthiness (e.g., site is linked by a site user thinks is believable, sites states its policy on content, or site represents a nonprofit organization).
• As compared to the least wealthy respondents (i.e., income < $20,000), the wealthiest third (income > $60,000 USD) assigned more credibility to sites that used tailoring (e.g., site requires user to register or log in, site recognizes user was there before).

RELATIONSHIP OF FONTS AND CREDIBILITY
  If a website has a font that is legible and people can read it, then the website will be more successful in establishing itself as a credible source. According to the article, "Users consistently attributed personalities to fonts. Serif (e.g., Times New Roman, Cambria, Georgia, etc) and sans serif (e.g., Arial, Verdana, Calibri) fonts were seen as more stable, practical, mature and formal." The "personality" of a font does not communicate credibility. Whereas, "The Script/Funny (e.g., Rage Italic, Gigi, Comic Sans, etc) fonts scored high on youthful, causal, and attractive and modern display (e.g., Impact, Rockwell Extra Bold and Agency FB) and mono-spaced fonts (e.g., Consolas and Courier New) were not seen as particularly high on any use." I found it interesting that the study also determined that, in addition to the creative and artistic fonts not measuring up in credibility, the neutral fonts (such as Courier New) also fair poorly and result in "decreased trust, professionalism, and credibility."

ROLE OF GENDER AND PERCEIVED CREDIBILITY
 This was a mixed bag. Different studies yielded different results. Women tended to be more critical than their male counterparts in this study. Thus, I conclude that the gender of the website author, despite its recommended importance as a factor in credibility (via the article), is not a quality measure of website credibility.

IN CONCLUSION...
 In the end, the article concludes that the aesthetic appeal and presentation of a website weighs in heavier as an indicator of credibility than assessment of the creator. So, if it looks credible, then it must be... I guess. Perception is reality, especially to most people surfing the web. There are other factors that people consider when deciding whether or not the information they are reading is credible, but the appearance of a website is a key factor, according to this study. Beauty may not be skin deep, but credibility on the web must be.



THE IMPACT OF AESTHETICS by Jennifer Chen

PERCEPTION IS REALITY
As with the article, Credibility, this article too notions that the appearance of a website is a key factor in determining the value or validity of the information that it contains. The aesthetics of a website evoke emotions and attitudes, which ultimately shape the way in which we value the information provided on the site.

DEFINING AESTHETICS AND EMOTION
In the article, the term aesthetics is defined as "the study of the mind and emotions in relation to the sense of beauty. More broadly, scholars in the field define aesthetics as a critical reflection on art, culture and nature." The article mentions that there is cultural influence when it comes to aesthetic appeal. It goes on to say that, in a particular study, people were given 100 websites to rate, with only 50 seconds to view and evaluate the website. In 2 different sessions, the participants from each expressed a high level of correlation and agreement in regard to their judgments of the websites that they viewed and rated. Thus, it can be concluded, that people have a generalized concept or ideal for what is aesthetically appealing, and websites that are aesthetically appealing garner more respect than those that are not, regardless of the information it contains.

EFFECTS OF USER MOTIVATION AND INTEREST
 The article examines the concept of "consumer product involvement" and how certain products are high-involvement (expense, utility, endurance) or low-involvement (inexpensive, one-dimensional, temporary). People put more thought into high-involvement products than they do low-involvement items, for obvious reasons. Thus, high-involvement consumers have more interest in the information on a website than the appearance or design. Whereas, low-involvement consumers are interested in what looks good.

WEBSITE COMPLEXITY
  Too much or too little content on a website can prove to be detrimental and interfere with the "effectiveness of the site's communication and the user's perceptions of the site"; driving users away. Thus, it can be concluded that "a medium level of complexity affords optimal communication effectiveness" (Geissler, Zinkhan, & Watson, 2006). So, I guess you could say that middle of the road complexity is the way to the consumer's home.

PERCEPTIONS OF CREDIBILITY
 Provide a human touch with the use of photographs. Don't overdo it with graphics, because it damages perceptions of professionalism. Keep it simple and consistent to maximize usability. Offer news and current updates to enhance quality of information.

THE IMPACT OF USABILITY ON AESTHETICS
 Looks can be deceiving... A website that is attractive tends to yield higher levels of success, but the quality of the product that the website is promoting ultimately has the final say in whether or not the website has sustainability. People need to be satisfied by the product in order for the website to be truly successful. You can have a great looking website on which you are selling dog poo, and while you may have great success in generating hits and selling the product in the beginning, people will not be satisfied by the product and thus consumer reports and overall satisfaction with the product will lead to the demise of the website.

FINAL ANALYSIS
 If it looks too good to be true, it still looks good. People will value websites with aesthetically appealing design and favor the information according to the emotions that are evoked. There is emotional appeal to a website that has images, photographs, and information to which we can relate. These websites make us feel like we are looking into a mirror and validate our identity. Looks may not be everything, but they are certainly something.

"Visual Communication: Images with Messages"

Visual Communication: Images with Messages

by Paul Martin Lester

The Media Through Which We See

6 Perspectives for Analyzing Any Image

• PERSONAL: This perspective is essentially our "gut reaction" and how we respond to the image we see based upon our own schema and personal experience.

• HISTORICAL: This perspective relates to our ability to determine value and importance of the image as it reflects to the timeline of its creation.

• TECHNICAL: This perspective is tied into our assessment of the technology that was used to produce the image, considering the means of creation.

• ETHICAL: This perspective is based upon our interpretation of the moral value and ethical responsibility that was applied by the producer of the image. There are 6 principal ethical philosophies that must be considered to achieve this perspective

1. Categorical Imperative - "what is right for one is right for all"; consistency is the key.
2. Utilitarianism - "the greatest good for the greatest number of people"; under the circumstances, what is best for everyone involved
3. Hedonism - philosophy of Aristipus (student of Socrates) - closely related to the philosophies of nihilism and narcissism; Greek word for 'pleasure'; "act to maximize pleasure now and not worry about the future"; modern interpretation: "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die."
4. Golden Mean - Aristotle's golden mean refers to finding a middle ground or compromise between 2 extreme points of view or actions; find a link between 2  extremes
5. Golden Rule - "love your neighbor as yourself"; humane behaviors that promote kindness and decency to fellow men and women; treat others as you would like to be treated
6. Veil of Ignorance - "shoe on the other foot"; attributed to John Rawls (1971); all people as equals; perhaps an answer to prejudice and discrimination

*CONSIDERATION OF THESE ETHICAL PHILOSOPHIES RESULTS IN A CLEARER INTERPRETATION AND PERHAPS MORE OBJECTIVE VIEWPOINT OF AN IMAGE.

• CULTURAL: This perspective examines the image and the symbolism that is used and what social messages are being communicated.

• CRITICAL: This perspective deals with the way in which we use our analysis of the image and what value or merit it contains overall.

 To the best of my understanding of the article, the ultimate goal of image analysis is not necessarily coming to a conclusion of what the image is, but rather being able to make meaning and interpret it on a personal level. David Lodge wrote, "analysis is ego-driven. The main thing is that it always reveals the person making the analysis - not really the piece itself." The ways in which one is capable to interpret an image will determine their ability to produce images of meaning themselves. Visual literacy shares the same virtual components of literacy of the written word; the more you read - the better you write. With visual literacy, the more you interpret visual text - the better you will be able to communicate through images.

Design Elements

Design Principles

Visual Symbols: Who Am I?

1. PASSIONATE

 I selected this image as a symbol for passion, because I believe that when someone is passionate about something, they have a fire burning deep-down inside of them; a fire in their eyes, if you will. When I commit to doing something, I give my all. I believe that if you are going to do something, then you should do it the right way and give nothing short of your best. One of my favorite quotes is from the legendary runner, Steve Prefontaine. He said, "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." I always make a conscious effort to utilize my "gifts" and not leave any room to question whether or not I gave it my all.

2. INNOVATIVE

 I selected this image as a symbol for innovative, because I believe that there is risk and reward involved when it comes to innovation. When you dare to do something differently, there is a chance of failure. There is a possibility that your ideas and actions might lead to your downfall. However, there is also the prospect of doing something that lights up the world and leads to greatness. The risk of falling flat on my face doesn't sway me, because the reward makes it worthwhile, especially if the innovation sparks from a true and noble place. I like to light things up!

3. ARTISTIC

 I selected this image as a symbol for artistic for a few reasons. First of all, I took this picture when I was in Brussels, Belgium. I love photography. I take A LOT of pictures. I travel quite a bit, so photography is something that I have developed a talent for. Secondly, the image is a video store and features the word 'cinema'. Not only do I love movies, but I am also an actor, writer, director, and producer of independent film. Then, there is just the design element. I love the colors and structural style of the storefront. It's 3-D with graffiti and good, vivid imagery. I can identify with all of these things and I feel that the quality of being artistic is accurately communicated through this symbol.

4. RELIGIOUS

I was raised a devout Catholic and I go to church most Sundays. My spirituality helps guide me in life. My mom has always told me to "live like Christ" and to ask myself, "What would Jesus do?" So, I have always practiced this, and this mindset has helped me through some tough times in my life. The image of the cross is an obvious symbolism of my Catholicism and religious roots. I selected the Celtic cross, because I am Irish Catholic.

5. ADVENTUROUS

 I selected this image as a symbol for adventurous, because I think that whenever you do something visceral and exciting that perhaps could compromise your safety and/or livelihood out of a thrill-seeking spirit, you are dangling from the edge of reason and insanity. In the picture, we see a man doing just that; dangling from the edge. I am an adventurous type.  I like to try new and different things. Whether it is skydiving thousands of feet into the open air, bungee jumping from a rail bridge, zip-cord gliding across the jungle, running with the bulls, swimming with the sharks, or eating exotic foods in strange lands, I am game! In fact, all of those things appear on my "bucket list" and some have already been checked off. I like to be daring and throw caution to the wind to feel a real sense of excitement. I like to feel alive, even at the risk of death.

"The Visual Literacy White Paper"

The Visual Literacy White Paper

Commissioned by Adobe Systems Pty Ltd, Australia
Written by Dr. Anne Bamford. Director of Visual Arts. Senior Lecturer in Interactive Media,
Art and Design University of Technology Sydney

  Visual literacy is defined in this study as the "ability to construct meaning from images" (Giorgis, Johnson, Bonomo, Colbert, & al, 1999: 146). Essentially, Dr. Anne Bamford's article focuses on how people can communicate through visual representations. It examines how what we see with the eye is the same as what we see with the mind, which basically implies that our sight enables for enhanced interpretation of concepts and ideas. I think they have a point, because being a teacher, I have to consider how most students hate to read books, but love the movies. There is no mystery behind this. The reason why they enjoy the movies, and TV for that matter, more than they enjoy reading is because it is easier for them to interpret visuals than rhetoric. They can make meaning of the moving pictures in a film with greater accuracy than they can when it comes to the written word; not all students, but many. The study explores the history of visual literacy and how people begin to interpret images and communicate through use of visuals at a very early age; about 12 months old! A one-year-old is capable of deciphering meaning from images that he/she sees. That is incredible! The study also pronounces that these youngsters can tell the difference between images, symbols, and people that are similar, such as parental figures. They argue that a very high percentage of all sensory learning is visual and that we need to read images in a meaningful way since they are so prominent within society. Furthermore, visual literacy is becoming the predominant form of communication between people. In order to be literate, we must be able to develop an understanding of visual semantics. There are certain questions that one might need to answer to illustrate their visual literacy comprehension, such as:
- Who created the image?
- At what point of history and in what context was the image created?
- Who commissioned the image?
- For what purpose was the image created?
- In what context is the image being seen?
- Who is the intended audience of the image?
- In what form)s) of media will the image be seen?
- What has been omitted, altered or included in an image?
- What does the image say about our history?
- What does the image communicate about our individual or national identity?
- What does the image say about society?
- What does the image say about an event?
- What aspects of culture is an image communicating?
If one is able to articulate their understanding of the visual symbols that are shown to them, then they will be productive, communicative, and active members within society. In lieu of society's interdependence on visual expression and interpretation, it makes it not only important for educators to include elements of visual literacy within their teachings, but essential. Bamford includes some different means of introducing the study of visual literacy that might prove fun and rewarding for students and also points out what topics will prove useful in discussion of the discourse, such as issues, information, who (the communicator), persuasion, and assumptions. The article then explores how technology can be used to promote the exploration of visual literacy. Bamford believes that visual literacy is the future and perhaps the only way our voices will be heard in such a picture-centric landscape.

WHO NEEDS WORDS WHEN VISUALS CAN TELL US EVERYTHING WE NEED TO KNOW...

INTC 5120: Visual Design and Communication - Dr. Jung Lee

1/20/2011
Our first class together was long, but very informative and enlightening! I definitely walked away with knowledge gained and enhanced perspective. I graduated from Rowan University with a bachelors degree in Communication, and it seems as though "visual literacy" has a lot to do with mass media, which is a subject that I really enjoyed during my undergraduate studies. Thus, I believe my expertise in this area will come in handy and I am very eagerly looking forward to what the rest of this semester has to offer!