Communication Functions

1. MODULE1
Foundations
EDT 630: Multimedia
Design &
Development

2. Instructional
Graphics
Definition:
Iconic expressions of
content that are
designed to optimize
learning and
performance in ways
that improve the
bottom-line
performance of
organizations

3. Instructional
Goals
 Content drives
graphic selection
 Content and graphics
support goals

4. Visual Design Model
Define Goals
Determine Context
Design Visual Approach
Identify Communication Function Needed to Match Content
Apply Principles of Psychological Instructional Events

5. Factors of Graphic Selection
Graphic Features
Surface
Communication
Psychological
Instructional
Provide Memory Support
Build Mental Models
Teach Specific Content
Learner
Prior Knowledge

6. Surface Features
Static Art Dynamic Art
 Illustration
 Photographic
 Modeled
 Animation
 Video
 Augmented Reality
(AR)
 Virtual Reality (VR)

7. Communication Functions
Decorative Explanatory
Organizational Relational Tranformational Interpretive
Representational Mnemonic
Some examples are:
Visuals must support the learning process by
having effective communication functions.

8. Communication Functions Defined
Representational
Function Purpose Examples
Decorative To add aesthetic appeal
or humor
Book Art
Representational Depict objects in a
realistic manner
Mnemonic Memory aid used to
provide cues for factual
information
Memory Aids
Organizational Shows qualitative
relationships
among content

9. Communication Functions Defined
Representational
Function Purpose Examples
Relational Show quantitative
relationships among
two or more variables
Line Graphs
Transformational Shows changes in
objects over time
Interpretive Illustrates a theory,
principle, or cause &
effect relationships

10. Psychological Functions
1. Attention Support
2. Activate / Leverage Prior
Knowledge
3. Minimize Cognitive Load
4. Build Mental Models
5. Support Transfer of Learning
6. Support Motivation

11. 3 Facets of Graphics
Treatment
Layout
Individual
Graphic(s)
• The standardized look
and feel
• Integration of content
into the Treatment
• Graphic assets and
instructional objects

12. Useful Tools
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft
PowerPoint
GIMP
Audacity
Windows Movie
Maker