Chapter 7 Starting with Images

Chapter 7, Starting with Images, states that starting with a picture embraces the conventions of live theater rather than the traditions of words and images on a printed page.  Using images that illustrate improve learning only if the visual illustrates the point you are trying to make.  A 4-Step process should be considered when focusing on reducing text on a slide.  The 4-step process begins with selecting a slide that has too much text on it.  Next, keywords or short phrases should be highlighted.  All other text should be removed which would leave the key words as mnemonics.  The last step includes adding an image.  Garr Reynolds quotes “ a simple quote is a good springboard from which you can launch your next topic or…support your point.  The trick is not to use them too much and to make sure that they are short and legible.”   Images should fill the screen and full-bleeds.  Color should be used in presentations since we use it to identify our world, it grabs attention and helps organize data.  Burmark highlights important points to remember when preparing presentations include: color visuals increase willingness to read by up to 80 percent, using color can increase motivation and participation by up to 80 percent, color enhances learning and improves retention by more than 75 percent.  Combining words with images has a life-long payoff benefit.  Eyes go to images first and then to text on a slide.  Author Lynell Burmark suggests that educator practice a Rapid Fire technique that presents information in a one-minute illustration and narration presentation versus traditional reports.   Evaluation outcomes accomplish the same goal while engaging students through pictures.