How Can Visual Aids Enhance Learning Activities?
Visuals aid understanding
A common use of visual support is a diagram. The example below shows the role of heart valves in maintaining circulation.Visuals strengthen mental models
In the video for this step, Amanda explained that the amount of processing power available to learners can be increased by use of the image channel in Working Memory.Visuals help future recall
Images are often recalled more readily than words. For example, the picture below, the image of a funnel is drawn on a Counselling Skills course as an analogy for careful listening and information gathering.The trainer could simply say, ‘It’s like a funnel’. But instead, she draws a funnel and explains the relevance of each section as it builds. She places the drawing on the classroom wall so she can refer to it again later.Video
Video recording and editing is within the capability of anyone with a Smartphone. The possibilities for educational video are almost endless, with the caveat that it should have a purpose linked to the achievement of outcomes.Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) is becoming increasingly available for training. It provides ‘immersive’ experiences which can be deeply engaging. In the screenshot below, the learner experiences visual impairment brought about by macular degeneration.Can visuals help all learners?
Visuals can help all learners, as long as they are designed at a level appropriate for the training.You may have heard of the term ‘visual learner’. This came from a theory known as ‘Visual, Auditory, Kinaesthetic’ (VAK). It gained a following among some educators in the 1990s. VAK theory was discredited in the early 2000s1, but the term is still sometimes heard.Quite simply, there are no ‘visual learners’. We all have a visual channel in our working memory, and it processes both real and imagined images. Everyone can learn visually, everyone can learn auditorily and everyone can learn kinaesthetically (by physical activity). Visual learners are like Abominable Snowmen; there is a name, but they don’t exist.There are as many individual differences as there are people in the world. Each person has their own learning preferences. However, a significant body of research indicates that teaching to individual preferences produces no benefit.Can decorative images be helpful?
Decorative images can be helpful, particularly with online learning where they have been shown to improve learner mood, and motivation to continue with a course.Because decorative images also use the visual channel, it should be borne in mind that they can interfere with visual processing. Expert trainers know this and turn off the screen when they tell a story. This allows a free rein for learners’ visual channels as they imagine scenes stimulated by the narrative.What happens if text is presented as a visual aid?
Some presenters display their words on a screen as they speak. They believe language presented in two modes simultaneously produces extra retention. A significant body of research suggests otherwise. At its worst, text which mimics the trainer’s speech can result in a reduction in learning. This is due to an overload of working memory as learners attempt to simultaneously listen to and read language processed at different speeds.When is text helpful as a visual aid?
Although we have explained that text and speech cause mental interference when used together, text has a role as a visual aid in certain circumstances. Below are examples:- Quotes. A quotation which learners read for themselves and have time to reflect on.
- Short phrases. Phrases of 4-5 words appear not to interfere with processing of spoken language in the way that long text slides do.
- Teaching of languages. New and unfamiliar word forms may be processed through both channels as participants learn to recognise them.
- Text which learners refer back to. For example, quiz questions, instructions for a classroom task which remain onscreen during the activity.
- Chinese characters. The display of Chinese language characters does not seem to interfere with speech processing in the way that European text does. This finding may be linked to the pictorial nature of Chinese characters.
The visual channel and imagination
The visual channel is also used by imagination. It is employed when we recall a scene or picture, listen to a story, or hear a fresh metaphor.Our purpose is to transform access to education.
We offer a diverse selection of courses from leading universities and cultural institutions from around the world. These are delivered one step at a time, and are accessible on mobile, tablet and desktop, so you can fit learning around your life.
We believe learning should be an enjoyable, social experience, so our courses offer the opportunity to discuss what you’re learning with others as you go, helping you make fresh discoveries and form new ideas.
You can unlock new opportunities with unlimited access to hundreds of online short courses for a year by subscribing to our Unlimited package. Build your knowledge with top universities and organisations.
Learn more about how FutureLearn is transforming access to education