The ASSURE Model: Selecting and Using Visuals

ASSURE model is the most recommended ISD model that educators and trainers can use to enhance the learning experiences of the students. Nowadays, teachers integrate Information and Communication Technologies in developing instructional materials and strategies to improve teaching and learning. However, how would we know if we are utilizing the visuals effectively? What are the initial steps that we must perform to secure that appropriateness and effectiveness of the technology tool that we are using to display our visual? How can we motivate the learners to become engaged with the learning process?

Teacher.net Gazette © 2014

The following is a guideline summary of ASSURE model on how we can effectively select and use visuals (projected and non-projected) in our instruction:

Analyze Learners

This is the where the instructional designer should identify the unique attributes and learning characteristics of the students:

• Determine the students’ experience using the visual
• Consider their expectations

State Standards and Objectives

Remember that standards serve as guides to learning outcomes. Always base you learning objectives on the competencies being prescribed by the DepEd. The K to 12 modules already contained these competencies per subject. We can also include the 21^st century competencies that are prescribed in NETS (National Educational Technology) for Students to assure that our students can survive the global and digital world.

• Achievement and outcome expectations within school and classroom settings
• Visual literacy skills and standards as part of curriculum

Select Strategies, Technology, Media and Materials

Once you know the learners and the outcome for their learning, it’s time to select the best strategies to use and the most appropriate technology tools to utilize in achieving these learning objectives.

• Always be guided by the principles of visual literacy
• Adjust the specific applications to your own topic and objectives
• All materials used have been cleared from Copyright issues
• Preview commercially produced materials
• Assess the effectiveness of the desired visual or instructional material through an analytic rubric

Utilize Technology, Media and Materials

Remember that technology is just a tool; the teacher still plays an important role in facilitating the learning experience. The way the teacher uses the technology and media in instruction will highly influence the way the students learn.

• Follow suggestions on how to effectively utilize the different technology and media tools like PowerPoint presentation, document camera, posters and even the overhead projector
• Modify media to fit the students’ needs
• The equipment available will determine how you schedule the students’ learning experience
• Plan for all students to view images together
• Set-up a learning center

Require Learner Participation

It is important to get the students involved in the learning process. We can increase the student engagement by giving the hands-on activities or opportunities to create their own visual presentation.

• Help the students understand the purpose of visuals
• Introduce and explain the visuals involved in your learning objectives
• Have your students do specific activities using visuals
• Have the students make a slide show using PowerPoint

Evaluate and Revise

This is the last phase of the model wherein we will assess the students if they achieved the learning objectives.

• Determine whether the non-projected or projected visuals helped the students to interpret the information
• Assess the students on the quality of their produced images
• Revised you selected materials if necessary after you have determined how well they have worked.

Reference: Instructional Media and Technologies for Learning by Heinich, Molenda, Russell, Smaldino, 1999