ETEC 620- Visual Design
The goals and objectives for this course were to demonstrate mastery of basic visual design techniques, to articulate elements of good visual design, to understand visual design theory, and the application of visual design in instructional environments. The course objectives were met through face-to-face instruction, hands-on activities, and application of design through assignments and a final project.
There were three major assignments, which included:
1. A Design Assignment- Coming up with a flyer/brochure using the "Works Every Time Technique"
2. Analyzing design based on the elements of visual design discussed in class
3. A final group project of creating a one-hour workshop using design elements to promote the workshop. The tasks consisted of a flyer to promote the educational workshop, an electronic handout to accompany the instruction, and a short video to demonstrate the task of the workshop.
There were three major assignments, which included:
1. A Design Assignment- Coming up with a flyer/brochure using the "Works Every Time Technique"
2. Analyzing design based on the elements of visual design discussed in class
3. A final group project of creating a one-hour workshop using design elements to promote the workshop. The tasks consisted of a flyer to promote the educational workshop, an electronic handout to accompany the instruction, and a short video to demonstrate the task of the workshop.
Design Assignment
Click on image to enlarge
The purpose of the design assignment was to get hands-on experience with the "works every time" design format. It was a simple, yet effective way to use elements of design that simply "Works Every Time." Since I had Parent Teacher Conferences coming up for the Elementary Class I teach, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to apply some visual design skills to the parent letter I sent home.
Design Analysis Assignment
The purpose of the design analysis was to apply the elements of design learned in class to a good and bad example of design. It was a personal point of view, but had to be justified as good or bad design based on the elements we learned through class lectures and activities. Although I am still working on my visual design abilities, this assignment got me thinking and analyzing visual design in books, magazines, posters, and even the tags on my clothes. I am much more aware of design features and getting a feel for my own visual taste or appeal.
Click HERE to view Images Analyzed
Click HERE to view Analysis of "Good" Design
Click HERE to view "Not So Good" Design
Click HERE to view Images Analyzed
Click HERE to view Analysis of "Good" Design
Click HERE to view "Not So Good" Design
Final Project
Click on image to enlarge
The final project was a culminating activity of the course goals and content taught throughout the semester. In a group of four, we were required to design a one-hour workshop on any educational task (e.g.; surfing, making a paper airplane, how to buy organic, best photo techniques). As a group, we chose a topic about "Learning how to make cheap and healthy sushi."
There were three elements of the project:
1. Design a promotional flyer to advertise and get learners to participate in the workshop.
2. Design a handout to accompany the instruction, which could be print or electronic. As a group we chose an electronic Webpage format, which was created using Adobe Dreamweaver. Click HERE to view the Webpage
3. Create a job aid to demonstrate the task of making a "Cheap and Healthy" sushi roll. Again, it could be a video or printed format. As a group we thought our task would best be delivered using a short video, which was created through Voicethread. Click HERE to view the demonstration.
There were three elements of the project:
1. Design a promotional flyer to advertise and get learners to participate in the workshop.
2. Design a handout to accompany the instruction, which could be print or electronic. As a group we chose an electronic Webpage format, which was created using Adobe Dreamweaver. Click HERE to view the Webpage
3. Create a job aid to demonstrate the task of making a "Cheap and Healthy" sushi roll. Again, it could be a video or printed format. As a group we thought our task would best be delivered using a short video, which was created through Voicethread. Click HERE to view the demonstration.
Final Project Feedback
After submitting and presenting our final presentation, we received constructive feedback from the instructor. Overall the instructor thought it was a, "Really great project!" She felt we had great unity within our design pieces using consistent colors and decorative elements. The Voicethread feature we used to accompany our instruction was a nice "alternative" to using video. Although all of the images in the Voicethread were taken by the group members, she recommended we abide by copyright. For the flyer, she felt the clip art or images showing direction should point to information (e.g.; the hand holding the chopsticks) and not off the page. Lastly, she mentioned to consider reducing text on the flyer for the tag/contact information at the bottom and using a tiny URL since a flyer posted on a bulletin board isn't "clickable" and people would have to write it down and type it in.
Our peers also had the opportunity to give feedback after our final presentation. There was a strong liking to our project and we received lots of positive feedback regarding the design techniques we used and unique topic.
Our peers also had the opportunity to give feedback after our final presentation. There was a strong liking to our project and we received lots of positive feedback regarding the design techniques we used and unique topic.
AECT Standards
This collaborative final project meets AECT standard 2: Development. Integrated knowledge, skills, and appropriate use of diverse instructional materials were delineated. For example, we used a well-designed printed flyer to promote our workshop, superior web-design skills to accompany our instruction, and an audiovisual technique known as Voicethread to demonstrate the instruction/task of making a "Cheap and Healthy" sushi. We clearly integrated a variety of instructional technologies for this instructional project.