Reflection 2

"Why is it important to understand the importance and symbolism of images? "

Symbolism can be the key to unlocking a deeper context and meaning rather than writing a paragraph. In the modern age, visual information has come to be the front runner in learning as well as being predominant in everyday life. Statistics have shown that 65% of the population have been classified as visual learners, continuing to be a key to engaging people in learning. The importance of understanding symbolism of images will continue to be important to modern and future learning.  Advantages of visual learning include development of long-term memory and triggering emotional experiences.

Long-Term Memory

Visual learning can help people make sense of and understand content, increasing the possibilities that the individual will remember. According to Dr. Lynell Burmark, an education consultant; the benefits of visual learning on an individual’s memory is substantial: "Words are processed by our short-term memory where we can only retain about seven bits of information. Images, on the other hand, go directly into long-term memory where they are indelibly etched." (Gutierrez, 2014) A study has also found that after only three days, an individual retained 10-20% of only written and spoken information compared with 65% of visual data. 

Visual learning triggers emotions

Images can lead to an individual to experience faster and stronger reactions rather than words. They are able to help us engage with content, triggering strong emotional reactions leading to information retention. Our visual memory is encoded in the medial temporal lobe of the brain, the same place in which we retain our deepest emotions. Abstract concepts can benefit from images, when course creators use visual metaphors. Involving visual metaphors in class learning can help an individual express emotions leading to the development of their personal learning experience 

Overall, there is a growing importance to further understand the importance of symbolism and images. Studies showing that visual learners are able retain 65% more information than those who are written and spoken learners. The key to an individual’s educational future lies with the pixels of an image.

(WORD COUNT: 330)

“Every breath you take will eventually shorten your life” (JTWELVE, 2016) 

Gutierrez, K. (2017). Studies Confirm the Power of Visuals in eLearning. [online] Info.shiftelearning.com. Available at: http://info.shiftelearning.com/blog/bid/350326/studies-confirm-the-power-of-visuals-in-elearning [Accessed 10 Sep. 2017].

"Every breath you take will eventually shorten your life". (2016). Retrieved from https://j12blog.wordpress.com/2016/03/24/every-breath-you-take-will-eventually-shorten-your-life/