Images in Educational Textbooks and Educational Audiovisual Media

Abstract

The role and contribution of images to the educational process has been pointed out by many researchers. Images are a source of information and for this reason their use in education is both important and valuable. Their enduring nature is demonstrated by their long-lasting presence in educational textbooks at every level of education. In modern textbooks, visual representations have become preponderant, offering communicative and explanatory functions beyond mere decoration. The introduction of new audiovisual media into the practice of teaching has resulted in a change in the traditional way in which they appear and are displayed. In these media, animated images combine with sound and can be utilized through three approaches: screening complete works, viewing selected excerpts, or isolating individual images. Although practical constraints have kept classroom cinema and television use limited, animated materials enrich learning by linking students' outside experiences to curricular knowledge. However, the factor which has remained stable and unaltered is the benefit which results from their being used.