This week in class, we learned all about Graphics!
I find myself amazed at the newfound understanding and appreciation for visual elements in teaching! Our instructor, Michael, guided us through an exploration, touching upon the complexities of Photoshop, the distinction between pixels and vectors, and the surprising power that lies within the familiar tool – PowerPoint. The realization that we, as UVic students, have access to such a powerful tool opened my eyes to a world of creative possibilities in the realm of teaching.
One of the key takeaways from the class was the profound impact visuals can have on the learning experience. We talked about conveying information through images, recognizing their ability to enhance comprehension. The discussion of whether or not individuals use subtitles while watching tv shows or movies always intrigues me! Having the ability to read and visually watch whatever it is we are processing, also known as dual-coding, aids in retention! We discussed how this relates to learning for our students in the classroom. Combining auditory and visual information in learning engages multiple senses, reinforces comprehension, and reduces cognitive load. This dual coding approach enhances attention, interest, and the ability to recall information through varied retrieval paths, contributing to a more effective and comprehensive learning experience for students.
One of the most surprising revelations came with Michael’s showcase of PowerPoint’s capabilities. Often seen as a basic presentation tool, PowerPoint unfolded as a versatile and user-friendly platform for creating visually compelling teaching materials. The array of features, from design elements to multimedia integration, showcased its potential to transform traditional lectures into dynamic and engaging learning experiences. I can make images, use 3D images, and create worksheets! Additionally, PowerPoint is so much easier to manipulate! Word or Docs is often a nightmare to shift images and text boxes where I need them, but PowerPoint allowed me to manipulate with ease!
This is an image I created for my Inquiry Project! It is a visual bird’s-eye view of the Solar System! This can be used to introduce the trajectory of each planet, and the order in which they orbit the sun.
The newfound awareness of PowerPoint’s capabilities has reshaped my approach to lesson planning. I am eager to integrate dynamic visuals into my future presentations, recognizing their ability to enhance comprehension and foster a more interactive learning environment.
This is another collage image I created!
I also had the opportunity to try Canva! I thought it would be beneficial to try making a worksheet! In our PHE class this semester, we have been exploring the elementary curriculum, specifically competencies in health and well-being. This is a Feelings and Worries worksheet I created. This follows the Grade 2 PHE Curriculum under the Mental Health and Well-Being Competency.