Digital Literacy: Visual Communication of Future Learning Process

This assignment from a university student explores the process of knowledge acquisition through visual communication, focusing on the signs genre. The student uses a series of images created with Pixlr to illustrate the learning process, starting with unclear learning materials and progressing to a well-lit environment. Each image represents a stage in the learning journey, including decision-making, distractions, and optimal study conditions. The student analyzes each image, explaining the choices made in its creation and the message conveyed to the audience. The assignment also includes an ethical reflection, emphasizing the importance of respecting intellectual property and obtaining permission for image use. References to relevant literature are provided to support the analysis.

UNIVERSITY NAME
Student’s name
Student’s ID
Digital Literacy

Introduction
This paper seeks to visually communicate a process of working for the future which basically
entails a student spending time to read learning materials for school work. The leaner therefore
needs to make a number of choices that will help in the course of the knowledge acquisition
process. To achieve this, pictures of learning materials as symbol of communication will be
utilized to convey the message. I am planning to work on signs genre of visual communication.
(Hartley, 2016)
First Image
The first image entails pictures of books whose contents are not clear enough or legible for
reading and geometrical set. In this case I am trying to paint a picture to my audience that is the
learners of the process of knowledge acquisition that is a time clouded and not very clear for the

leaner to pick. This is intended to communicate to the student that the process of knowledge
acquisition is not all straight path. The image was created by uploading it to Pixlr then utilizing
crop tool to fit the image into desirable size and Wand tool to make the readings on the books
unclear. Type tool was also used to insert the words “lights towards future!!” I made the choice
to include these words in the picture to make my message clearer. I assumed that my audience
will be able to understand that images can be altered such that it will not be difficult for them to
understand how writings in a printed book can be illegible. I got this image form digital learning
platform and I have permission to use it for educational purposes only. Cropping worked well for
this image as it was able to make the image tidy and clear. (Hartley, 2016)

Second image
The image depicts a hand that represents the learner along with the books, geometrical set, Pen
and a Phone that the learner needs to make a choice of which one(s) to pick. This image has
additional features like the phone and a Pen that make the message clearer. Here I am trying to
communicate the decision the learner has to make to learn by pick books and Pen or perhaps
picking his/her phone to play games or watch a nice clip. The image was made by utilizing insert
tool for placing handset in the picture along the hand to represent the leaner. Type tool was also
utilized to insert the wordings in the image. I assumed the student is able to interpret the meaning
of handset and Pen in the picture. I had to choose my wordings correctly so that the message

could be as clear as possible. Image was obtained from digital learning platform and I have
permission to use it. (Hartley, 2016)
Third Image
The image involves books with clear illumination of light it has also a pen a geometrical set that
depicts a scenario where learning is on going. This iteration has improved from last in the sense
that there is no handset within the setting so the learner has no distraction. In this image the
learner is left with only the essential learning materials for the learning process. The image was
created by utilizing specific Pixlr tools such as adjustment and filter tools to diffuse light holder.
I choose to remove wordings for the image as the image was clearer. I assumed my audience will

depict from the image that the light holder is diffused that’s why the place is still illuminated but
there is no light holder compared to the previous image. Diffusion worked quite well for this
image and the overall brightness of the image needed improvement. I obtained this image from
digital learning platform and I have permission to use it. (Thompson, Jaeger, Taylor, Subramaniam
& Bertot, 2013)
Fourth Image

This image shows learning materials that is books alongside a pen and a geometrical set. There is
a marked improvement from the previous image In that the place is brighter because of the light
from the outside environment. Here I am trying to communicate a scenario whereby learning can
be done better in a good environment with proper ventilation and light. This also mean learning
during the day when one is fresh and there is sunlight which can be utilized by opening a door or
a window. (Huvila, 2012) This image was created by utilizing adjustment tools in Pixl that made
possible to insert and opening/a door and removed the light and its holder as contained in
previous images. I choose not include any description text in the image as it was clear enough to
rely the message to my audience. Removal of the light worked really well but insertion of the
door needed improvement as it was not fitting correctly in the image as it was un-proportional to
the overall size of the image. I obtained the image from digital learning platform and I have
permission to use. (Thompson, Jaeger, Taylor, Subramaniam & Bertot, 2013)

Fifth Image
The picture shows a learner who has fallen asleep on his books. The iteration is an improvement
from the last because of inclusion of the real learner in the image. Here I ma trying to
communicate that it is important to chose right time to study instead of trying to do it when you
are tired and you need sleep. This image was also created by utilizing adjustment and image
tools of the Pixlr application. I choose not to include any text description to the image as it is
clear and easy to understand what the image is trying to communicate. (Wempen, 2011) I assumed

that my audience will be able to understand the meaning of someone sleeping on books. I
obtained this image form digital learning and I have permission to use it. (Alcock & Jacobs, 2008)
Ethical reflection
The images herein provided conforms to high ethical standards such as respecting other peoples
work by asking them for permission to use the them and abiding to all rules set by the owners of
the work. The real picture of a learner asleep on books is that of a real friend of mine who gave
me permission to use is picture for this purpose. (Thompson, Jaeger, Taylor, Subramaniam & Bertot,
2013)

References
Alcock, M., & Jacobs, H. (2008). Mastering digital literacy (2nd ed., pp. 4-7).
Hartley, J. (2016). The uses of digital literacy (1st ed., pp. 4-11). Michigan:
Mediacrank.
Huvila, I. (2012). Information services and digital literacy. Oxford: Chandos
Publishing.
Thompson, K., Jaeger, P., Taylor, N., Subramaniam, M., & Bertot, J. Digital literacy
and digital inclusion.
Wempen, F. (2011). Digital literacy for dummies (1st ed., pp. 2-8).