More Than Meets the Eye: Optimizing Graphics for Learning

Audience Level: 
All
Session Time Slot(s): 
Institutional Level: 
Higher Ed
Abstract: 

A picture is worth a thousand words when effective visual design promotes learning. Join this interactive session to explore the communication functions of graphics and design principles instrumental in shaping learning. Review best practices for accessible, educational graphics that reduce cognitive load and discover resources to create graphics for learning.

 
Extended Abstract: 

How can you cue learners to the most important instructional information using visual design? Research supports that effective graphics can enhance learning and reduce students’ cognitive load. Incorrectly using graphics can actually detract from learning. Knowledge of effective graphic design principles is not discipline specific; its application is relevant to all learners with the exception of those who are visually impaired. Brain imaging studies support that the human brain has a larger capacity for visual processing versus its capacity to process text.

Simply adding visuals to your teaching arsenal is not enough---being able to identify the effective graphics to enhance learning and reduce students’ cognitive load while also knowing which graphics can actually detract from learning is crucial.

Join us to discover how effective visual design supports student learning and retention. In this interactive session, we will explore the key communication functions of graphics which can be used to build deeper levels of understanding and information retention, as well as highlight key design principles instrumental in shaping student learning. Participants will increase their awareness of best practices for creating accessible graphics and review strategies for incorporating educational graphics that reduce cognitive load. Discover tips and resources for free or low cost tools to create graphics for learning.

 
Conference Session: 
Concurrent Session 12
Session Type: 
Education Session