This week's readings led us to Frank W. Baker's Medial Literacy Clearinghouse. The time I spent sifting through this site sent me into a tailspin of thoughts, ideas, and questions. There has to be even more information out there, right? So, I went to youtube! I looked to see if Frank Baker had a channel, and sure enough he did! He did not have an excessive amount of videos, but enough to take up some time searching for more information. I was really interested in the visual literacy demo. Mr. Baker shows teachers how they can use visual literacy within their classrooms. The video is particularly catching because he explains how effective this can be. Students can rely on prior knowledge to begin analyzing the picture. Then they do just that- analyze! Additionally, this type of discussion leads to a higher order of thinking. The discussion that can stem from a single picture could essentially lead an entire class lesson. The visual representation can be the root of a lesson. It is notable to see that a picture can create just as much, if not more, discussion and analysis as a piece of printed text.
What types of visuals have you used in your classes lately? Does this spark ideas for upcoming lessons? I plan to discuss the anniversary of September 11th using pictures, audio, and video materials.
I recently used horror movie clips to help students understand the characteristics of the horror genre (we use it as our fiction unit in 11th grade). We studied the imagery, diction in the voiceover, and how it contributed to the mood of the trailer or clip. My students were all talking about it in the hall!
ReplyDeleteWow, I had no idea that Frank had a YouTube channel! Great idea to expand the search to YouTube Jen.
ReplyDeleteOne idea I wanted to share was with print ads. I once had my students cut out ads and glue them to construction paper. I had them cut out the actual product that was being advertised and glue that on the back of the page. Then I had them hold them up to classmates asking the question "What are we sellling?" It was very interesting because without the product there, many of the students responded with "sex". A bit risky for high school, I realize, but it shows what happens when students deconstruct ads.