Week 5

What a long strenuous week. Way to many assignments between my two classes. However, I felt I did learn a few things. The main concept that stuck out was Visual Literacy, including Martin Scorsese video. Visual literacy is the ability to understand and use images. This includes to think, learn, and express oneself in terms of images.

Currently, I include videos in my lessons and curriculum already, but he gives a analytical perspective that can, or hopefully will enrich my lessons. Scorsese suggests that vocabulary is as valid to know as the vocabulary used in literature. I never look at  multi-media films in this manner, but it makes total since. when students read stories, many teachers introduce, explain, and use vocabulary terms from the story they are read. This can be very similar to a film, it is telling a story, vocabulary is diverse and used. Why not tackle vocabulary in the same way as you would a novel. It is a great perspective. Another point Scorsese's proposes is that there is a  need for our youth to understand the good and bad use of film. He believes it will prepare students to be critical, well-informed viewers. I think this is an avenue I'm going to explore when I create my curriculum before school begins.

Visual culture is a constant in students’ daily lives.

As a group they spend more time watching television and interacting with a computer or other devices such as smart phones or netbooks than attending school. We as teachers need to take advantage of this. National and State Standards are starting understand and incorporate visual literacy in the curriculum. Visual Literacy to be has been implemented in at least three of the ISTE standards:  Digital Age Work, Digital Age Learning, and Student learning. Also, in Kentucky in its College and Career Readiness Standards it includes objectives such as:  Make use of digital media and visual displays to express information and enhance the understanding of the presentation. 

I think the best way visual literacy will help me is the style. Most of my students are visual learners. The have cognitive disabilities, and the use of visual stimulants help spark interest, and hopefully their minds. A good example would be vocabulary. When I have students try and learn new words; I require them to do 3 things: 1. Know how to use the word in a sentence. 2. Know what the word means. 3. Draw a mental picture of what you think the word means.  The visual support of the picture has improved our student’s vocabulary on a consistent basis.

Each week I feel that I am getting exposed to thinks I may never have come across. I feel this will be very beneficial to my future professional growth.

Have a good week!