About Visual Media

From SPARK

Visual materials range from the simplest flipchart and single-color poster, to 35mm film productions in full color. A calendar, a picture post card, a transparency, a 35mm slide are some examples of visuals. Visual media may be stored on film, paper, magnetic tape, other digital medium.

Strengths and Limitations of Visuals

Strengths

• Can stimulate visual learning methods
• For groups or individuals
• Relatively inexpensive
• Can incorporate local art
• Portable
• Flexible teaching tools

Limitations

• May need oral or printed explanation
• Difficult to obtain feedback except in live presentations
• Require training for good quality productions
• Require visual literacy

Additional Considerations When Audio is Added

Strengths

• Higher impact with audio and visual
• Popular

Limitations

• Requires more equipment and expense
• Higher production requirements