Media workstation : the matchstick figure

Abstract

In instruction visuals have many key roles to play. Heinich et al (1999), succinctly refer to the visual's role as to provide a concrete referent for ideas; to simplify information; and as a redundant channel: helping learners to comprehend visually what they might miss verbally. Most visuals used in the classroom are pre-prepared by the teacher, often presented complete to the class as an iconic referent to a point being made during a lesson. At times, though, there can be a need for progressive disclosure of a picture, or of pictures within a narrative framework.