Evaluating Visual Literacy as a Pedagogical Tool for Non-Formal Educational Setting

Abstract

Education is fundamental human right which ensures freedom, empowerment and more importantly individual developing benefits but still millions of children and adults remain uneducated as a result of poverty, war, disaster and other social problems. In primary level of education 6.2 million children are out of school in Pakistan (Pakistan Education Statistics, 2014). In order to educate out of school children, Non-Formal education is alternate solution to this problem. There are many organizations in Pakistan which provide non-formal education. Unfortunately in Pakistan, non-formal education curriculum has pedagogical limitations, lack of visualization tools and techniques, no central control, outdated syllabus and lack of integration of technology. The objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of visual literacy as a pedagogical tool for non-formal educational setting with integration of technology. This intervention had provided out of school children with a learning opportunity through the use of technology integrated with 360 panoramic views which was intended to assist them to learn life skill based on visual signs. Visual Signs of hospital were used in interactive web application to examine their leaning and interest. 360 view technologies assisted students to provide interactive environment in application along with proper visual aid. Study used mixed-method exploratory research approach. A pilot study was conducted before intervention to examine out-of-school children curriculum, use of 360 view technology (virtual tour), use of visual signs and selection of data collection tools. Surveys and interviews conducted have revealed that academic achievement, engagement and motivation in these learning activities can help the out of school children learn life skills in a more meaningful and practical manner. These results were further validated by performing qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Wilcoxon test was used to analyze pre and post test data. SPSS was used for statistical data analysis. Results from data analysis have revealed very positive effects on the overall learning curve, motivation and engagement level of the students. Implementing this approach in other settings such as museums, airports and formal education system, to further enhance the learning of out-of-school as well as enrolled children.