As one part of my action research, I have been practising formulating each question in the ‘how can’ format since the summer, and this continuous exercise has led me to think more deeply about my role. In today’s tutoring session, I found myself reflecting not only on this course, but also on my role beyond it, or even something beyond it. Before developing the final intervention, I felt the need to take a pause from the haste of running towards the end.
As an experienced creative director and novice researcher, my position lies at the lively crossroads of artistic innovation and academic investigation, affording me a distinctive opportunity to add value to the dialogue on emerging literacies and visual culture for children. I have adopted this role in order to make a meaningful contribution to this evolving field.
In today’s digital age, where literacy boundaries extend beyond the written word, my objective is to identify and utilise the potential of visual culture as a vital element of children’s literacy. Over the past decade, the transition from passive consumers to active creators has been crucial, and my work aims to be at the forefront of this shift, advocating a paradigm where children are empowered with the skills to proactively explore and shape the digital landscape.
Through my research in this course, I have identified that this study will form the foundation of my contribution. I have immersed myself in both contemporary and seminal works and critically analysed the existing knowledge on visual literacy, digital fluency and children’s engagement with media. This comprehensive understanding has not only informed my practice but also enabled me to recognise gaps and areas ready for innovation.
I explore this subject to create educational materials and imaginative schemes that demonstrate a thorough comprehension of the part of visual culture in literacy. Through examining interactive experiences and digital platforms, I have tried to make the theoretical principles of new literacies tangible and accessible. This practical application is a form of action research, allowing me to observe real-time interactions, collect data and iterate on creative concepts to enhance their educational value.
Another crucial factor in my experience has been my participation in workshops and interventions. These have acted as laboratories for exploring how children interpret and create visual content. The insights gained have been instrumental in shaping a more nuanced approach to visual literacy – one that is adaptable and sensitive to the diversity of children’s experiences and cultural backgrounds.
An unexpected challenge has been the need to constantly advocate for the inclusion of new literacies in curricular frameworks. Despite the clear importance of visual literacy in the modern world, there’s been resistance to its full integration into educational systems. Another challenge I’ve faced is recognizing my own lack of pedagogic knowledge and the fear of being restricted by my commercial background and educational framework, which is an ongoing conflict. Collaboration is essential, and I regret not actively seeking partnerships with educators, psychologists, and technology specialists. I am aware that taking a collaborative approach can extend the reach of my work, bringing it into classrooms, after-school programs, and digital platforms used by a diverse range of children. Above all, I have prioritised creating an environment that upholds the right of children to be happy and empowered for creative development.
Looking ahead, I aim to continue to bridge the gap between research and practical application. I will continue with my research agenda, implementing imaginative and creative exercises to understand the impact of our digital tools on children’s learning outcomes. My ultimate aim is to consistently refine these tools to foster a generation of critical thinkers and creative problem solvers who are fluent in the language of visual culture.
My research contribution to the discourse on new literacies and children’s visual culture is an ongoing journey of discovery, creativity and advocacy. By fusing research and practical innovation, I strive to create experiences that resonate with children and equip them with the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. This mission isn’t just about shaping the discourse; it’s about shaping the future – ensuring that our young people are prepared to lead it with confidence and imagination.