Student Example #1: Digital Film
Visual Literacy Narrative
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Evaluative comments to student using writing rubric.
Thesis/Focus
In this film you demonstrate a clear thesis through the combination of images, audio, and text. Together, these elements combine to show that you were presented with a challenge, but, with practice and persistence, you succeeded. The challenge is demonstrated through the text written on the blackboard at the beginning of the film. The persistence and practice is shown through images of your exaggerated facial features that allude to the difficultly of the task. Finally, the success is displayed in all three modes: text which displays the grade, images that depicts exuberance, and audio which explains the emotional feeling of contentment you have.
Organization
A strong sense of organization is prevalent in this film through the use of modes working and interacting together to present an argument. You use transitions between images to capture the audience’s attention throughout the film. Audio is also utilized to organize the parts of the argument.
Development
You develop the film well by taking advantage of the rhetorical possibilities of the multiple modes. There is a mixture of images, text, and audio all working together to present the argument. For instance, the audio lyrics of Superstar are complimentary to the images of the exaggerated emotions of content and happiness displayed by the student at the end of the film. One downfall to the development of this film is the lack of an audio track in the first portion of the film. The film does not take full advantage of the possibilities of the mode of sound throughout the entire composition.
Syntax and Diction
Similarly to a lack of development, the absence of audio in the beginning of the film leaves the film with an "unfinished feel." The composition appears incomplete. If audio is going to be used at the end of the film, then it should be utilized throughout the entire film. Positively, the film utilizes a good combination of image and text to send a message to the audience.
Format and Design
You demonstrate an awareness of format and design here by choosing text, typeface, and color that visibly contrasts the background images on which they appear. The viewer is easily, for the most part, able to read each piece of text and not be hindered by design. There are a few design choices, such as the use of a yellow font, which could be improved. You also do an excellent job of ensuring that the images follow good design principles. Each photograph is of high quality showing that the student paid attention to light and balance.
Research
Not applicable to this project.
Mechanics
The composition is free of mechanical errors and typos. All images, audio, and text appear as you intended.