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This resource will provide educators or those interested in the design process, with ideas to effectively create New Media representations.
Design is systematic and involves looking at the problem of representation from a variety of perspectives (Kristof & Satran, 1995). Good design is rigorous thinking about how to create the best possible cognitive artifact. It takes into consideration the message, audience, format, and qualities in all the elements. NewMedia is using technology tools to create representations; either visual, auditory or both. DesignThe concept of design is the intentional creation of visual or auditory artifacts with an eye for communication. The following video (mredregatrops777) is a great introduction to design.
Design is visual problem solving. Von Glitschka (n.d.), an illustrative designer, suggest a definition:
Design is thinking made visual (Saul Bass). James White (2013) suggests that design is:
Imagination made visual. Does good design just happen? Most people say, no. Some may be better at it than others but for those that are good, they often follow a pattern. It may vary from task to task but the basic process of design is as follows (Lohr, 2003):
Too often folks rush into the creation process without giving due diligence to the design process. NewMedia Design thus combines the principles of design with the power of technology to engage, direct and provoke thought in the viewer. It can stimulate the viewer to learn or feel something new or different about the subject. This act of creation directs the eye of the viewer and invites them to engage with ideas and information. Done effectively it can be a compelling way to tell a story or communicate ideas. Research BaseThere is power in visual representations. Research concluded that visual portrayals activate a richer number of connections and has positive ramifications for learning. The conlcusions from numerous studies indicate that there is potential to enhance learning but also the danger to distract and even hinder the learning process. This points to the need for a systematic approach that applies principles of effective design (Mayer 2009).
NewMedia can enhance or hinder understanding. For instance, juxtapositioning of different media forms can build effective mental models; e.g. images with text. However, research has verified that if a single processing modality is overloaded then learning decreases; as illustrated by people having difficulty reading text while listening to verbal form (Mayer 2009).
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Navigating this ResourceThis resource is organized categorically so one can go through the sections sequentially or jump to an area of interest. The top menu is the primary avenue for accessing the main sections. Each section is broken into areas of Further Study. Buttons at the bottom of the content page will take you to the next logical topic. Quotations are referenced at the bottom of the relevant page. The general references are accessed through the Bibliography link and audio and visual references are cited in the Audio/Visual Footnotes link at the bottom of each page. Craft versus ArtistryCraft is the technical skill with tools and applications. Artistry is the the skill of seeing and and having an eye for composition layout and design. Effective NewMedia creation requires both artistry and craft because one informs the other and helps tell a more compelling story. This resource will foster the blending of these processes.
Act of CreationA significant aspect of NewMedia is the "act of creation". There is educational value in having learners create NewMedia artifacts (Steed, 2014).
Learners are growing up in a world full of NewMedia so being able to create effective communication elements is critical. Design into the classroomThe hope is that an understanding of good design will have an impact on prospective teachers but also trickle down to K-12 leaners.The following video is one attempt to bring the design process into the classroom:
Below is another link to resources on design in the classroom, although this does not focus on NewMedia, the concepts still apply:
The link below describes an approach that looks at instructional and graphic design together as a unified process:
Instructors as well as learners need to become proficient using effective design, and that is one of the purposes of this resource. |
References
Lohr, L. L. (2003). Creating graphics for learning and performance : lessons in visual literacy. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Merrill/Prentice Hall.
Mayer, R. E. (2009). Multimedia learning (2nd ed). New York: Cambridge University Press.
Glitschka, Von. (n.d.). The creative spark: Von Blitschka, illustrative designer. Lynda.com. Retrieved from http://www.lynda.com/Design-Documentaries-tutorials/Creative-Spark-Von-Glitschka-Illustrative-Designer/129915-2.html
Steed, M. B. (2014). The act of creation: The value of NewMedia production. Proceedings of EdMedia 2014 - World Conference on Educational Media and Technology, June 23-27, Tampere, Finland.
White, James. (2013). The creative spark: james White, visual artist and designer. Lynda.com. Retrieved from http://www.lynda.com/Design-Color-tutorials/Creative-Spark-James-White-Visual-Artist-Designer/139716-2.html
Mayer, R. E. (2009). Multimedia learning (2nd ed). New York: Cambridge University Press.
Glitschka, Von. (n.d.). The creative spark: Von Blitschka, illustrative designer. Lynda.com. Retrieved from http://www.lynda.com/Design-Documentaries-tutorials/Creative-Spark-Von-Glitschka-Illustrative-Designer/129915-2.html
Steed, M. B. (2014). The act of creation: The value of NewMedia production. Proceedings of EdMedia 2014 - World Conference on Educational Media and Technology, June 23-27, Tampere, Finland.
White, James. (2013). The creative spark: james White, visual artist and designer. Lynda.com. Retrieved from http://www.lynda.com/Design-Color-tutorials/Creative-Spark-James-White-Visual-Artist-Designer/139716-2.html