Today I am sharing my brand new Educator’s Guide to Making it Visual with Web 2.0.
What do images have to do with learning? A lot! Studies in neuroscience have demonstrated that when information is presented orally, people remember about 10 percent when tested 72 hours later. If an image is added into the oral presentation, the retention rate increases to 65 percent. (Medina, Brain Rules, 2008) Prehistoric cave paintings provide evidence of the human brain’s innate desire for visual information. Yet, most formal learning environments are comprised purely of textual or auditory content.
In contrast, today’s web 2.0 landscape has altered our informal learning environment. Now visual content — cool, slick, inviting graphics that are sometimes interactive — is everywhere. Images provide opportunities for deeper learning, increased retention, creative critical thinking activities, and promote a warmer, more engaging environment. Get creative and open up your mind to the possibilities of teaching with images!
Like what you see?
- Then join me for a free 60-minute @One Desktop Seminar next Wed, 9/22 at 12noon PST for a more thorough demonstration of the tools shared in this new guide. Register here!
- You may also enjoy my Guide to a 21st Century Syllabus which explores the potential of visual content to transform that oh, so important document professors upon so heavily.
- Check out the Shared Resources tab of my blog for more goodies related to innovations in teaching with web-based technologies.
