Abstract:

Visual communication of human insight and understanding are gaining new meaning with the evolving presence of electronic media and Internet based communication. This paper provides research results and is sharing some insights and experiences about teaching by applying art and science integration through visualizing knowledge in graphical form, and thus improving one’s power of conveying meaning with images. Projects proposed in this paper aim at applying non-linear way of thinking about scientific concepts and then presenting them visually. Developing abstract thinking abilities is essential both in countless areas of life and in education, as abstract thinking can be seen indispensable when one strives to be virtuous in mathematics, philosophy, poetry, or science. Keeping in mind that with visualization techniques computers transform data into information and visualization converts information into a picture form, a fairly large number of people explore ways of applying a visual language to present information with images, symbols, signs, and metaphors. Non-physical, numerical data (such as network system data or stock market values) often refers to naturally occurring objects and related events. In such cases metaphors are often applied to process complex information.

First, the paper discusses some crucial factors that are changing the landscape of the learning environment and the very essence of the learning process. Factors discussed include impacts, benefits, and challenges coming out of an online way of learning and teaching, global dimension of the multicultural society of learners, and the growing demand for visual materials serving the information and communication purposes. In result, many learners, including those not focused on the art field, would like to seek some guidance in enhancing their visual literacy and the ability to express concepts and ideas in natural and programming languages. Secondly, a need for working on instruction with technology is debated, teaching that combines metaphorical visualization with the artistic principles, and putting information technologies and communication media in service of instruction. Discussion is focused on the ways of combining information visualization techniques with the principles of creative design, enhancing artistic influences on the technical implementations, and raising the level of training in design. Finally, this paper offers some suggestions aimed at preparing technology-oriented people for current demands by expanding their skills and abilities beyond computer science and business domains, by making them comfortable in visual arts, music, and digital storytelling. Moreover, projects will be discussed, about creating knowledge visualizations with the use of art and graphics, aimed at strengthening the readiness of computer scientists to fulfill the aesthetic expectations and gain recognition for factual solutions done in visualization projects. This PowerPoint presentation contains many visuals, as well as artistic and technical examples.

Keywords:

computer mediated communication, computer-based instruction, information and.