The effectiveness of using graphic design programs in enhancing visual thinking skills among educational technology students in Jordan

Abstract

Graphic design programs enhance students' skills and enable them to gain new perspectives on complex data and facts by visually interpreting information through shapes and images. This study analyzes the impact of graphic design education on enhancing visual thinking skills among Educational Technology students in Jordan. A quantitative quasi-experimental approach with a single-group pre-and post-test design was employed. The study was conducted with 30 students from Middle East University during the second semester of the 2023-2024 academic year. A visual thinking skills test was developed as the primary tool. The results demonstrated that graphic design programs, which train students to think visually, significantly improve their ability to understand, distinguish, and differentiate between various images and shapes. The study concludes that integrating graphic design programs into educational curricula can play a vital role in fostering visual thinking skills, which are essential for critical analysis and problem-solving in Educational Technology. The study recommends that graphic design programs focus on practical training emphasizing visual skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.