Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 8

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define communication and graphic communication.
• Identify the components of a communication system.
• Explain the importance of graphic communication in South Africa.
• Describe different types of graphic communication.
• Design a simple graphic to convey a message.

Lesson summary

This week, we're diving into the exciting world of communication systems and graphic communication. Communication is how we share information, ideas, and feelings with others. From talking to your friends to reading a sign on the street, communication is happening all around us. Graphic communication is a specific type of communication that uses visual elements like drawings, symbols, and designs to convey a message. This is incredibly important because we live in a visual world, and understanding how graphic communication works helps us interpret the messages we see every day, from road signs that keep us safe to advertisements that try to grab our attention.

Lesson notes

What is Communication? Communication is the process of conveying information, ideas, thoughts, feelings, or emotions from one entity (person, group, or machine) to another through a medium understood by both. Effective communication requires a shared understanding of the symbols, language, and context used. What is Graphic Communication? Graphic communication is the process of conveying information visually through the use of drawings, sketches, photographs, diagrams, typography, symbols, and other visual elements. It's about presenting information in a way that is easy to understand and remember. Think of it as visual storytelling.

The Communication System: Every communication process, whether it’s spoken, written, or visual, follows a basic system: Sender: The person or thing that originates the message.

Example: A traffic light.

Message: The information being conveyed.

Example: The red light signals "stop." Channel: The medium through which the message travels.

Example: Light waves transmitting the color of the traffic light.

Receiver: The person or thing that receives and interprets the message.

Example: A driver seeing the red light.

Feedback: The response from the receiver, indicating whether the message was understood.

Example: The driver stops the car. (Lack of feedback: the driver ignores the light and drives on.)

Noise: Anything that interferes with the communication process and distorts the message.

Example: Heavy rain obscuring the traffic light.

Types of Graphic Communication: Signs and Symbols: Standardized images or patterns that represent something else. They need to be easily recognizable and understood across different languages and cultures. Examples in South Africa include road signs (speed limits, yield signs), symbols for public facilities (toilets, hospitals), and warning signs (electricity hazards).

Diagrams: Simplified visual representations of complex information. They use lines, shapes, and labels to explain how something works or how different parts are related. Examples include flowcharts, circuit diagrams, and maps.

Illustrations: Drawings or paintings that are used to explain or enhance a text. Examples include illustrations in textbooks, magazines, and children's books.

Typography: The art of designing and arranging type. The font, size, and style of text can affect how easy it is to read and understand. Think about the difference between a clear, simple font like Arial and a fancy, decorative font – which one is easier to read on a sign?

Photographs: Images captured using a camera. They can be used to document events, illustrate concepts, or create emotional responses.

Worked example

Example 1: Road Sign – Stop Sign

Sender: The municipality that installed the sign.

Message: Stop the vehicle completely.

Channel: The physical sign itself and the light reflecting off it.

Receiver: The driver of a vehicle.

Feedback: The driver stops the vehicle.

Noise: Vandalism of the sign, making it difficult to read.

Example 2: A Poster about Water Conservation

Sender: The local municipality or an environmental organization.

Message: Conserve water to prevent drought and water shortages. This might be conveyed through images of dry land versus lush gardens, along with text slogans.

Channel: The printed poster displayed in public places.

Receiver: Members of the community.

Feedback: Increased water conservation efforts (e.g., shorter showers, less watering of gardens).

Noise: The poster is poorly designed, using confusing images and too much text, making it difficult to understand.

Example 3: A Warning Symbol on an Electrical Box

Sender: ESKOM or another electricity provider.

Message: Danger! High voltage. Do not touch.

Channel: The sticker or sign attached to the electrical box.

Receiver: Anyone near the electrical box (children, adults, etc.).

Feedback: People avoid touching the electrical box.

Noise: The symbol is faded or missing, so people don't recognize the danger.

Why is Graphic Communication Important in South Africa?

Multi-lingual Context: South Africa has 11 official languages. Graphic communication can overcome language barriers by using images and symbols that are universally understood.

Literacy Levels: While literacy rates are improving, graphic communication can ensure important messages are accessible to everyone, regardless of their reading ability.

Public Safety: Road signs, warning symbols, and emergency information often rely on graphic communication to quickly and effectively convey critical information.

Education: Diagrams, illustrations, and interactive visuals can make learning more engaging and accessible for students.

Tourism: Tourist destinations use graphic communication to guide visitors and provide information in a visually appealing way.

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1:

Identify the sender, message, channel, receiver, and feedback in the following scenario: A teacher uses a PowerPoint presentation with images and text to explain the water cycle to a class of Grade 8 students.