Utilising IT and Digital Technology in classroom Visual Literacy Programs

Utilising IT and Digital Technology in Classroom Visual Literacy Programs will look at a diverse range of lesson ideas that address a large range of Visual Literacy outcomes whilst promoting IT and Digital Technology skill development.

Many lesson ideas involve an initial deconstruction of the visual and language tools and devices used in a variety of contemporary visual literacies. These include Movie Posters, CD Covers, Book Covers, Advertisements, Posters, Comics and Cartoons.

This will also incorporate an exploration of the concept of ‘genre’ and how it is represented in visual literacies. From these initial focuses, the workshop will show how students can then demonstrate their understanding of these concepts by creating their own examples of these visual literacies through the use of digital cameras and utilising tools on the familiar Word and PowerPoint programs.

Additionally, the workshop will examine other integrations of Visual Literacy and IT skills by exploring possibilities such as on-line Student Poetry Anthologies and on-line Student Picture Books. All the teaching ideas that will be presented offer highly stimulating and engaging lesson opportunities for all students whist addressing a broad range of outcomes from a variety of Key Learning Areas.

Workshop participants should leave with a large variety of practical ideas that they can immediately utilise in their programs with the confidence to model the required IT skills with simple step by step instructions.

Audience: Primary / Middle

Workshop materials:

Presenter:

Anthony Dewhurst

Australian International School Singapore

Primary Literacy Coordinator and Year 4 classroom teacher

anthony_dewhurst@ais.com.sg

Initially a Secondary English/History teacher in Australia. Moved into Primary education 8 years ago with a position in Guangzhou, China as the Primary EAL teacher at Utahloy International School. Have spent the last 7 years at the Australian International School Singapore as a classroom teacher teaching Years 2, 4, 5 & 6. Positions of responsibility have including Year 6 Coordinator and currently the Primary Literacy Coordinator.

Audiovisual requirements: 

Computer lab with projector and five digital cameras