Foundation Processes
"Perception plays a central role in our understanding of the world."
Perception is a dynamic process, no longer considered passive, and what each person pays attention to and is able to understand is guided by their own knowledge and experience. Students bring meaning and understanding to what they see thereby developing their own perception. Perception serves as our lense. Representation is the medium. Interpretation is the process of making sense of it all. We are always bound by our senses and interpretations which is dominated by our ideology.
Understanding Multimodality
"What was once considered writing is now viewed as assembling, or designing and composing various modes and semiotic resources into apt configurations for representing particular meanings."
We are moving from page to screen which is changing the way students and teachers react to materials. Taking into account that perception drives the train, how the ensemble is put together is vitally important.
Elements of Art, Design, and Visual Composition
"A rose may not symbolize the same thing from one social context to another."
The key term here is 'symbolize' which is tied directly to perception. In different cultures there are varied symbolic representations. Here in the United States, we develop different symbols representative of images or words that likely are not the same in other countries of the world. However, there are many places here in our own country that colloquisums and other social influences contribute to the meaning and perception of visual literacy concepts. I am always amazed at the different pronunciations of the same words throughout certain sounthern and northern areas and communities across the state of West Virginia. I believe we can draw parallels between the audible word and visual texts because what the eyes see and and what the ears hear are influenced by social context.
Images
Below are two multimodal images that are very symbolic and do a good job of visually expressing an idea or concept. I just couldn't pick one, because I liked both equally well.
Cell Phone
My perception of the cell phone image is that it reflects the tools it provides to the user such as a desk, a notepad, a carry case, a trashcan, a clock, the world/maps, a typewriter, a calendar, a camera, books of information, and more. Certainly, the image could be looked at differently and just be viewed as a picture of an office area. However, I think the visual message is very effective and very cool as a picture within a picture. The background is likely a screen shot or a Goggle image and the forefront is a picture of a phone showing the background image. I think the splashes of color in the background image with black and white being more prevalent suggests days of old are now absorbed into the new age.
Below are two multimodal images that are very symbolic and do a good job of visually expressing an idea or concept. I just couldn't pick one, because I liked both equally well.
Cell Phone
My perception of the cell phone image is that it reflects the tools it provides to the user such as a desk, a notepad, a carry case, a trashcan, a clock, the world/maps, a typewriter, a calendar, a camera, books of information, and more. Certainly, the image could be looked at differently and just be viewed as a picture of an office area. However, I think the visual message is very effective and very cool as a picture within a picture. The background is likely a screen shot or a Goggle image and the forefront is a picture of a phone showing the background image. I think the splashes of color in the background image with black and white being more prevalent suggests days of old are now absorbed into the new age.
The Arts
This image is reflective of the many forms of art including ballet, stage drama, music, theatre, and painting. Each embedded image is symbolic of its particular form of art. I think it displays a great message in a very artistic manner emphasizing the beauty and expression of art and the many ways that art is reflected and shared with the world.
Joyce,
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that both of us, as well as other classmates, have found the concept of “perception” intriguing. I think we do interpret images from our senses and the social and political contexts in which we live. Students should be instructed to appreciate other’s perceptions even if they are far from their own. I also believe that teaching students to utilize the variety of multimodal texts can help them develop a deeper understanding and explore all facets of modes other than written word.
Joyce,
ReplyDeleteI love both of your images! I wouldn't have been able to choose just one either. The art one has so many different perceptions and a great teaching tool. The cell phone is great too! I love the image displayed on the phone. It mixes technology and art! It is a great image to show how the world is changing. Twenty years ago you could use a cell phone to take pictures, text, connect to social media or use as your own personal office. The uses are unlimited, just like learning in a classroom (the image displayed on the iPhone screen).