How to think visually? Visual thinking and online learning.

There are two challenges in creating online learning: determining the right type of content and finding suitable visual ways to present it.

Approximate reading time: 6m 7s

What is „visual thinking”?

Visual thinking is the process of thinking and solving problems that mainly uses visual means and objects to represent ideas, concepts, and information. Instead of writing long text descriptions, visual thinking uses charts, diagrams, schemes, illustrations, pictures, and other visual elements.

This approach can help with a better understanding of complex problems and concepts, since visual information can be more easily absorbed and remembered by the brain compared to text descriptions. Visual thinking can be used in various fields, such as business, science, technology, education, etc.

Recently, visual thinking has been most widely used in the development of e-learning and online learning.

How to think visually?

Visual thinking can be achieved through several steps:

Visualizing ideas - start imagining your ideas as pictures or diagrams. You can use diagram-creation software to create a visual presentation of your ideas.
Analyzing visual information - when working with visual elements, you need to start analyzing and evaluating them. You can look at shapes, colors, textures, sizes, and other visual attributes to understand how they interact and what message they convey.
Creating connections between visual elements - when working with visual elements, you need to create connections between them in order to understand how they interact. You can use arrows or other visual indicators to show these connections.
Using colors and shapes - colors and shapes can be used to present information more easily and effectively. You can use color codes to mark different categories or highlight key points. You can also use different shapes to present different ideas.
Organizing information - when working with visual information, you need to do it efficiently. You can use a table, diagram, mapping, or other visual methods to organize and present information clearly.

These are just some of the ways of visual thinking. Through regular practice and exercises, you can develop your visual thinking and use it to improve the learning process and problem solving.

What is the connection between „visual thinking” and online learning?

Visual thinking and online learning are closely related, since visual elements and graphics are essential for successfully presenting information in online learning.

Because online learning lacks physical presence, visual presentation of information can help facilitate the process of knowledge acquisition. Visual elements can be used to present complex information in a way that is easier for students to understand and remember.

Online learning can use visual thinking as a problem-solving tool by using graphics and diagrams to describe problems and potential solutions. This can help students better understand the problems and find effective solutions.

In conclusion, visual thinking is an important tool for successful online learning, since it can help make information easier to understand and remember, as well as help solve problems.

What visual thinking elements are applied in developing SCORM modules for distance learning?

In developing SCORM modules for distance learning, the visual thinking elements used can be graphics, diagrams, schemes, illustrations, pictures, and other visual elements. These elements are used to present information in a way that is easier for students to understand.

For example, visual elements can be used to present complex processes or algorithms through diagrams and schemes. This can help students better understand the process and remember it more easily.

Also, pictures and illustrations can be used to present information in a way that is easier for students to understand. For example, instead of giving a text description of a specific object, a picture or illustration can be used to show what that object looks like.

It is also critically important to note that visual elements should be used in moderation, with attention to how they fit into the context of the learning module and how they can help students understand and remember the information more easily.

Examples of the use of visual elements in SCORM modules and training

Developers of SCORM modules for distance learning can use various visual elements to improve module quality and facilitate the learning process for students. Some examples of the use of visual elements in SCORM modules may include:

Diagrams and schemes - these visual elements can be used to present complex processes, such as the software development process or the project management process. They can help students understand processes better and remember information more easily.

Graphics - graphics can be used to present statistical data or other information that is easier to visualize with a graph than with a text description. This can help students understand and remember information more easily.

Illustrations and pictures - these visual elements can be used to present objects, processes, or concepts. They can help students remember information more easily by visualizing what is being discussed.

Animations and video - these visual elements can be used to demonstrate complex processes, present products, or provide training in a specific technology. They can help students understand and remember information more easily by seeing the actions that need to be performed.

These are just a few examples of how visual elements can be used in SCORM modules for distance learning. It is important to note that the use of visual elements should be well thought out and fit the context of the curriculum.

Example with a specific e-learning course

One example of visual thinking in e-learning could be creating a SCORM module that trains employees on the procedure for preparing a report. To apply visual thinking in this module, the following technique can be used:

Creating a process diagram - this diagram can show the steps that need to be followed in order to prepare a report. This can be presented schematically with visual elements such as boxes, arrows, and text.
Using visual elements to present information - to make it easier to remember the information related to each step of the process, various visual elements can be used, such as colors, shapes, and icons. For example, the boxes can be colored in different colors depending on the process step they represent.
Organizing information - the information for each step can be organized in a table or another form that makes reviewing and studying the material easier and more effective.
Including visual aids for knowledge checking - after employees have completed the training, visual tests such as multimedia images can be used to check their knowledge of the report preparation procedure.

This is just one example of how visual thinking can be applied in e-learning by creating a SCORM module.

You can see more examples in our portfolio, where we have presented suitable visual examples for using interactive and visual elements in e-learning.

Unconventional visual elements in online learning - what are they

Developers of SCORM modules for distance learning can use various unconventional visual elements to improve module quality and facilitate the learning process for students. Here are a few examples:

Interactive 360-degree images - these visual elements can be used to present various objects, such as architectural buildings or museum exhibits. Students can rotate around the image to see all the details and get a more realistic representation of the object.

Virtual reality - this unconventional visual element can be used to create simulations of various scenarios, such as training scenarios for surgeons or pilot training. This can help students better absorb the information by virtually experiencing different situations.

Online games - these visual elements can be used to teach various skills, such as problem-solving or risk management. Games can be fun and interactive while also stimulating the brain and helping students remember information more easily.

Interactive videos - these visual elements can be used to present different scenarios and processes, such as demonstrations of working with software products or demonstrations of new technologies. Students can use various tools to modify the video or take part in interactive activities.

These unconventional visual elements can complement standard teaching methods and provide new ways of learning.

Experts in the field of visual thinking and e-learning:

Dave Gray - author of the book "Visual Thinking", which presents various techniques for visual thinking and their application in business.
Michael Allen Hemple - communications design lecturer at the University of Arkansas, who studies visual thinking and its application in training.
Christopher Papp - founder of the independent visual thinking school The Grove Consultants International, who works with large corporations and government agencies to create visual solutions for complex problems.
Jamie Napper - author of the book "Learning in 3D: Adding a New Dimension to Enterprise Learning and Collaboration", which presents the possibilities of virtual and augmented reality for training.
Dennis Violetti - founder of the software development company for visual presentations and slide design MURAL, which has been used to create visual training materials for large companies such as IBM, Accenture, and Airbnb.
Dan Roam is the author of the book "Back of the Napkin" and is known for his work in the field of visual thinking and communication. Videos prepared by him can be found on sites such as YouTube and Vimeo. You can search there for Dan Roam videos on the topic of visual thinking and communication.

Books on visual thinking and communication

Show & Tell

The Art of Explanation: Making Your Ideas, Products, and Services Easier to Understand

The Doodle Revolution

Sketchnote Handbook: Illustrated Guide to Visual Note Taking

Beyond Words: A Guide to Drawing Out Ideas

How do we learn visual thinking?

How do you practice your visual thinking skills? Learn to capture concepts by using Roam's visual grammar or Gray's approach to visualizing ideas.

Master the visual alphabet and the basic shapes used as building blocks. This helps you see the basic shapes in the objects you want to create.

For example, you can enroll in our training PowerPoint for Beginners

If you need us to create online courses, SCORM modules for use in your LMS learning platform, call us at +359 878 685 304 or write to us at office@nitbg.com