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Mobility Course: Visual Arts as a Tool for Communication and Learning
- November 18-23, 2024
Description
For today’s children and teenagers, it is easier to communicate with a few icons and animated GIFs than with words. This is the consequence of a visual revolution in the transfer of information.
However, this is also the oldest form of communication; have you ever reflected on it? Across millennia, from cave paintings, hieroglyphs, and graffiti to Biblia pauperum, humanity relied on images to tell stories and share the news.
This course will make the participants explore the recurrent power of visual communication in contemporary digital media for teaching and storytelling.
Modern types of visual communication include animated GIFs, memes, screenshots, videos, photography, emoticons, pie charts, infographics, and slide presentations. Participants will get to know the communication style proper of each of these media and understand how to value its efficiency and usability for teaching and learning.
Participants will also discover how to use visual communication and media literacy to develop critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity.
Conversely, they will reflect on how easy it is to manipulate visual and digital stories to play on the emotions of others (i.e., via IG filters or deepfake), and accordingly how to prepare their learners to better examine and evaluate digital news.
By the course conclusion, participants will be able to move around modern types of visual communication to communicate well with the newest generations, and to develop media and visual literacy skills.
They will feel confident to use storytelling and digital communication to build visual bridges between generations, and between teachers and students.
Learning Outcomes:
The course will help the participants to:
- Analyze and deconstruct news, media products, and narratives;
- Discuss cultures through visual media;
- Build defenses against “fake news” and propaganda;
- Promote critical thinking in themselves and their learners;
- Use photography and other visual arts as a tool for communication and learning;
- Use visual materials and tools to spread a message;
- Give voice to children of any age using language-independent tools;
- Create their films as learning material.
Tentative Schedule
Day 1 – Mapping the visual reality
- Introduction to the course, oragnisations, and external week activities;
- Icebreaker activities;
- Identification of needs and goals for each participant and relevant populations;
- Presentations of participants, their organisations, and the trainer;
- Naming and recognizing cultural outputs: placing countries on a culture map.
Day 2 – Visual culture
- Visual communication: an introduction;
- Cultures of communication;
- The clash of generations;
- Informative and educational memes;
- Creating memes to build bridges between ages.
Day 3 – Media and (fake) news
- The relationship between media and education;
- Media Literacy: storytelling in different media, countries, and cultures;
- Tools for critical thinking;
- Fake news and media manipulation: history and case studies;
- Breaking through fake news: a practical exercise.
Day 4 – Narratives and storytelling
- The elements of a narrative;
- Different ways to tell a visual, language-independent story (comics, films, games, music)
- Case study: fiction that teaches;
- My story: a storytelling exercise to share good practices.
Day 5 – Creating a visual message
- Practical activity: creating a visual message (e.g., a short film, a photo book, a graphic novel)
- Sharing among the participants.
Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities
- Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
- Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
- Excursion and External cultural activities.
Who Can Apply
1. Eligibility Criteria:
- Affiliation: Applicants must be eligible to become volunteers within the association coordinating the Erasmus+ KA122 project “Personal and Professional Development with Art as a Tool.” – S.I.S.E.R.A. Greece. This includes individuals with a background in education, training, administration, or support services related to the project’s objectives.
- Professional Role: Open to individuals who are:
- Educators, teachers, trainers, or facilitators in formal or non-formal education.
- Administrative staff, project managers, or coordinators involved in educational or international programs.
- Support staff, such as counselors, advisors, or others working directly with learners or educational stakeholders.
- Experience Level: A minimum of 1-2 years of relevant professional experience is preferred, but all applicants with a strong interest in the project’s themes will be considered.
- Language Proficiency: A working knowledge of English is required (minimum B1 or B2 level according to the CEFR).
- Volunteer Status: Applicants must be willing to register as volunteers with the association for the duration of the project and participate in an interview process before final selection.
2. Desired Participant Profile:
- Relevance to Professional and Personal Development: The training should align with the applicant’s professional development goals and personal interests in volunteering and cross-cultural learning.
- Interest in International Cooperation and Volunteering: A commitment to international collaboration, cross-cultural exchange, and voluntary work is essential. Previous experience in volunteering or Erasmus+ programs is an advantage.
- Strong Communication and Teamwork Skills: Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team are essential.
3. Application Process:
- Application Form: Complete the online application form, including sections for personal details, professional background, volunteering experience, motivation, and how the training aligns with your goals.
- Interview Requirement: Shortlisted applicants will participate in an interview to assess their suitability for both the training and the voluntary role within the association.
- Selection Criteria: Applications will be evaluated based on their relevance to the project, alignment with the desired participant profile, motivation, and suitability for the volunteer role.
4. Selection and Notification:
- Selection Process: Our team will evaluate applications and conduct interviews with shortlisted candidates. Selection will be based on predefined criteria, including professional relevance, volunteering interest, and motivation.
- Notification of Results: Selected candidates will be notified by 1/10/2024.
5. Financial and Logistical Information:
- Costs Covered: The Erasmus+ KA122 project will cover training costs, including tuition fees, travel expenses, accommodation, and daily subsistence allowances, in accordance with Erasmus+ guidelines.
- Obligations: Participants must attend all training sessions, actively participate in activities, complete any assignments, and fulfill their volunteering duties.
- Follow-up Activities: After completing the training, participants must provide a feedback report and participate in knowledge-sharing activities, such as workshops or presentations.
6. Deadline for Application:
All applications must be submitted by 30 September 2024. Late applications will not be accepted.
7. Contact Information:
For further details or questions regarding the open call, please contact siseragreece@siseragreece.com
