Playing With Image Uses

Screen showing Illustrated Debate application

Activity:

1. Ask students to open the The Illustrates Debate (either Immigration or Sugar) applet. Tell them to click on each of the empty cells on the storyline to read both sides of the argument.

2. Ask students to select an image to go with each of the eight parts of the debate. Clicking on the small versions of the images brings up a larger version of the image for a more detailed look. If students have selected one part of the story, clicking on an image will put the words as a caption under the larger version of the debate so they can determine if it is a good illustration. Clicking on USE THIS IMAGE brings the little version into the storyline. If students want to change their minds, they can simply drag the little "thumbnail" image back out of the storyline.

3. When students have selected eight images, ask them to click on SEE DEBATE and add a title for their debate and the name of the authors. If they are satisfied with the debate, ask them to print it and staple it together to make either a booklet or a comic strip.

4. Class discussion: ask students which image they chose for each first panel. Discuss how this choice sets the tone for the debate but does not add information, that is, most of the appropriate images could be used for either side.

5. Continue asking for reasons why students chose each of the other pictures. Discuss whether the images are really used as evidence, example and opinion. Discuss the differences.

6. Extension: print versions of student debates and let students assess whether the images in other students' (or groups) debates are used according to the criteria defined in the applet (1. decoration, 2.evidence, 3.example, 4.opinion).

 

 

 

 

The Main Idea


To explore how images can be used for different purposes, students can take both sides of an argument and support it by adding images with a defined purpose.
The first part of each argument (pro and con) states the premise and needs no image-information to make its point. So an image that decorates the slide is appropriate.
The second part of the arguments states a fact justifying the premise. It call for an image that provides evidence of that fact.
The third part is a statement supporting the fact of the previous statement with an example - and the image should therefore provide that example.
The final part of each argument states a conclusion, an opinion - and thus calls for an image that expresses the opinion.

Print Version of This Activity