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Definition:
A picture is a two-dimensional visual representation of persons, places, or things. Most commonly it is a photograph, but it also may be a sketch, a cartoon, a mural, or even a chart, graph or map, Pictures may be used for individual study, for display on bulletin boards and in exhibits, and for projection when groups of students need to look at one picture at the same time.
Characteristics:
Pictures are usually printed or photographically processes. They vary in size and color. They may be highly representational or abstract. If a picture is desirable for use and it is in a book or pamphlet which is available to an entire class, it probably would be most efficient to ask everyone to turn to the same page at the same time to look at the picture. If, however, only one copy of a picture is available, and group viewing is required, the picture could be projected on a screen:
The easiest method is to place the picture in the opaque projector. The room must be very dark and the screen must be large enough to accommodate the enlarged image. The picture will not be damaged.
The same picture could be copied on 35 mm film which would be processed into a 2 x 2 slide. Another option, if the picture is on clay based paper (such as Life or Holiday), and the picture does not have to saved, is to lift the picture from the paper by the picture transfer process using the rubber cement or a thermal process. The picture is transferred to clear acetate and is used on an overhead projector.
Pictures may be displayed on a bulletin board for individual or small group observation. Bulletin boards in the classroom and in school halls offer display opportunities.
Advantages:
- Pictures are inexpensive and widely available.
- They provide common experiences for an entire group.
- The visual detail makes it possible to study subjects which would otherwise be impossible.
- Pictures can be help to prevent and correct misconceptions.
- Pictures offer a stimulus to further study, reading, and research, visual evidence is a powerful tool.
- They help to focus attention and to develop critical judgement
Limitations:
- Sizes and distances are often distorted.
- Lack of color in some pictures limits proper interpretations.
- Students do not always know how to read pictures.
- Unless each student has a picture or the picture is properly projected, the medium should not be used.
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