Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 8

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify the 5 components of a communication system
• Differentiate between verbal, non-verbal, and visual communication
• Apply basic principles of graphic design
• Analyze examples of graphic communication
• Describe analogue and digital communication channels

Lesson summary

This week, we delve into the fascinating world of communication systems and graphic communication. Effective communication is essential in every aspect of our lives, from understanding instructions in class to sharing ideas with friends and family. Graphic communication, in particular, allows us to convey complex information visually, making it easier to understand and remember. Think about road signs, posters advertising local events, or the user interface on your phone – all examples of graphic communication at work. In South Africa, with its diverse languages and communities, clear and effective communication is vital for social cohesion and economic development.

Lesson notes

2.1 Components of a Communication System: Every communication system, regardless of its complexity, has five basic components: Source: The originator of the message. This could be a person speaking, a computer sending data, or even a road sign conveying information.

Example:* A community leader announcing a meeting using a megaphone (the leader is the source).

Encoder: The device or process that converts the message into a transmittable format. The encoder transforms the message into signals suitable for transmission.

Example:* A microphone converting sound waves into electrical signals for broadcasting. A person writing a letter is encoding their thoughts into written words.

Channel: The medium through which the message travels from the encoder to the decoder. This could be air, a wire, fibre optic cable, or even a printed page.

Example:* The air through which the sound travels from the megaphone to the audience. The internet cable carrying data.

Decoder: The device or process that converts the transmitted signal back into a usable message.

Example:* A radio receiver converting radio waves back into sound. A person reading a letter is decoding the written words into understanding.

Receiver: The destination of the message. This is the person or device that receives the decoded message.

Example:* The people listening to the community leader's announcement. The computer receiving the data.

Example: Let's say the Department of Health wants to communicate information about preventing malaria to a rural community.

Source: The Department of Health.

Encoder: The person designing a radio advertisement (converting health information into an audio message) or the artist designing a poster (converting the information into a visual message).

Channel: Radio waves for the advertisement; printed posters displayed in the community.

Decoder: The radio receiver in a listener's home; the eyes and brain of a person reading the poster.

Receiver: The people in the rural community. 2.2 Verbal, Non-Verbal, and Visual Communication: Verbal Communication: Involves the use of spoken or written words to convey a message. This includes face-to-face conversations, phone calls, emails, letters, and presentations. It is important to consider language barriers and cultural nuances when using verbal communication, particularly in a diverse country like South Africa.

Example:* A teacher explaining a concept in class; a news report on T

V. Non-Verbal Communication: Involves the use of body language, facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice to convey a message. It often accompanies verbal communication and can reinforce or contradict what is being said.

Example:* A friendly smile; a student nodding in agreement.

Visual Communication: Involves the use of images, graphics, and symbols to convey a message. This includes posters, diagrams, infographics, videos, and animations. Visual communication is particularly effective for conveying complex information quickly and easily.

Example:* Road signs; infographics explaining COVID-19 safety measures; advertisements. 2.3 Basic Principles of Graphic Design: Layout: The arrangement of elements on a page or screen. A good layout creates a clear visual hierarchy and guides the viewer's eye through the information. Consider using grids to create a structured and balanced layout.

Typography: The art of selecting and using fonts. Choose fonts that are legible and appropriate for the message you are trying to convey. Use different font sizes and weights to create visual interest and emphasis.

Colour: A powerful tool for attracting attention and conveying emotion. Use colour intentionally and choose colours that complement each other. Be aware of the cultural associations of different colours.

Imagery: The use of photographs, illustrations, and icons to enhance the message. Choose images that are relevant and visually appealing. Ensure that images are high quality and properly sized.

White Space (Negative Space): The empty space around elements on a page or screen. White space helps to create a clean and uncluttered design and makes the information easier to read. 2.4 Communication Channels: Analogue Communication: Transmits information using continuous signals. Examples include traditional radio broadcasts (AM/FM), landline telephones, and cassette tapes. Signals are more susceptible to noise and degradation.

Digital Communication: Transmits information using discrete signals (binary code - 0s and 1s). Examples include mobile phones, internet connections, digital television (DStv), and streaming services. Offers higher quality, better compression, and is less susceptible to noise.

Example: Consider communication during the 1994 Elections in South Africa: Early radio broadcasts used analogue signals to inform the population.