Visual Literacy: An Introduction

February 2, 2022 from 1—3pm
Pew Grand Rapids Campus, Room TBD

Concepts of visual literacy are explored through the various aspects, components and contexts that determine what we see, how we see, and how we, as individuals, socially construct meaning from what we see. This introductory session is part of a series of learning modules that will help faculty and staff to improve how we utilize visual content in our teaching, training, and learning. The series was developed by a cross-departmental team within our university, and incorporates the results of a GVSU faculty survey in 2019.

Facilitated by Sal Alaimo, School of Public, Nonprofit, Health, Hospitality, and Tourism Management.

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Visual Literacy: Language, Mechanics, and Applications

February 10, 2022 from 2:30—4pm
JHZ 3068 (Zumberge Hall), Allendale Campus

This session expands upon basic concepts of visual literacy. We will explore how visual information is interpreted by viewers based on their prior knowledge and cognitive ability. We'll also look at the ways in which social and cultural identity impact understanding. This session will also include a guided group "reading" of an artwork in the library to practice looking, reflecting, and discussion in the service of building observational skills.

Facilitated by Amanda Rainey, User Experience and Learning Manager in the Art Gallery; Matthew Roberts, Instructional Design for eLearning; and Stacey Burns, University Libraries.

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Visual Literacy: Creating Video with Visual Literacy

February 25, 2022 from 11am—12:30pm
Virtual via Zoom

In this session we will talk about the possibilities of using video as a means to assess student learning. Before we meet we'd encourage you to think of ways in which this may be possible in the courses that you teach as we will try and help you determine what visual literacy skills and technical skills will be necessary to successfully teach and engage your students.

To get the most out of this workshop, it would be ideal if you could come prepared with at least a few slides that you have developed and plan on turning into a video preparation. 

Facilitated by Noah Campbell, Information Technology; Justin Melick, Information Technology; and Kyle Macciomei, Information Technology.

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Visual Literacy: Engaging Context in the Classroom

February 28, 2022 from 10:30am—12:00pm
JHZ 3068 (Zumberge Hall), Allendale Campus

Visual literacy asks us to engage deeply with observation, but also asks us be responsible to context as we select images to support student learning. This session combines discussion and workshop activities to address the spectrum of ways context is an important factor when creating course materials. Together, we will consider the informed selection of images as well as engage with the ethical contexts for their creation, reception, and reuse.

To make the most of this workshop, participants should come with a laptop and a PDF of a classroom lesson that incorporates images. We will use these as a starting point for our work together.

Facilitated by Sigrid Danielson, Visual and Media Arts, and Melissa Morison, Classics Department.

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