Frequently Asked Questions

Visual Learning Lab information1. What is visual learning?

Visual learning promotes student-centred learning, problem-based learning, alternative non-linear thinking, learner collaboration through multiple representations, graphic approaches to expressing new and challenging ideas, knowledge construction and re-conceptualisation, wider accessibility, meta-cognitive skills development and accommodation of individual differences.

Visual learning allows knowledge and skills development made through interaction with images of any kind and any other visual representations. It incorporates visual elements and applications in a variety of ways into learning and teaching.

2. What can visual learning add to my teaching?

Visual learning can reinvigorate both students' and teachers' interest. It is generally seen to improve motivation and learner involvement.

3. What support can the VLL offer me?

In the past, the VLL has been able to financially support a range of projects. Due to funding limitations this is not currently possible. However, the VLL team is happy to be contacted with inquiries regarding visual learning and its applications and is willing to offer advice and to share its experiences.

The VLL team is also happy to facilitate contact between you and our internal and external visual learning partners. If you want to contact the VLL, please send an e-mail to Sarah.Kerr@nottingham.ac.uk

Using Thunder

4. Can I use the Visual Learning Lab?

If you are:

  • A University of Nottingham member of staff interested in using the VLL for supporting and developing your teaching
  • Representing another CETL with an interest in visual learning
  • A company interested in forging a link with the VLL

Or, indeed, if you feel that you do not fall into one of these categories, please contact Sarah Kerr in the first instance.

5. What visual learning technologies are available in the VLL?

The VLL supports a wide range of visual learning technologies ranging from hand held mobile devices to large scale visualisers. We have a particular interest in the use of video-conferencing in learning and teaching as well as the use of electronic interactive flipcharts. Overall we are interested in the use of any visual methods in teaching and learning.

6. What is a (HEFCE) CETL

A HEFCE CETL is a Higher Education Funding Council for England Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. There are 74 CETLS in England and Northern Ireland. For more information please visit www.hefce.ac.uk.

7. Who are we working with?

Within the University of Nottingham, the VLL works with a wide range of Schools and Departments such as SChEME, Computer Science, Geography, Medicine and Health Sciences, Psychology and Veterinary Medicine. For a full list of projects part or fully funded by the VLL click here.

We also work with a range of external partners, such as the National College for School Leadership and Questmark.