Integrating Essential Skills into Training - National Adult Literacy ...
Integrating Essential Skills into Training - National Adult Literacy ...
Integrating Essential Skills into Training - National Adult Literacy ...
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SKILLBUILDER: SYMBOLS AND ICONS<br />
What is a symbol?<br />
• A symbol is a picture, shape or letter that represents an object, action or idea.<br />
• A symbol does not look like the object, action or idea it represents.<br />
• A symbol’s meaning has been agreed upon by society, industry, government, a user group,<br />
etc.<br />
• A symbol’s meaning must be taught and learned (e.g.) most WHMIS and TDG symbols<br />
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What is an icon?<br />
• An icon is a picture that represents an object, action or idea.<br />
• An icon looks like the object, action or idea it represents.<br />
• An icon’s meaning is intuitive (automatic or instinctive).<br />
What is a computer icon?<br />
• A computer icon is a picture on a computer screen that you click to produce an action.<br />
• The computer icon usually looks like the action or idea it represents.<br />
• A computer icon in many cases is the creation of Microsoft.<br />
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Advantages of using icons and symbols<br />
• Icons can be quickly understood.<br />
• Symbols and icons can be “read” at a glance.<br />
• Symbols and icons are easier for low literacy or non-native language speakers to understand.<br />
• Icons can be understood by young children.<br />
• Icons and symbols are more visually recognizable than words.<br />
• Icons and symbols are more “compact.”<br />
Parts of an icon or symbol<br />
• An icon may be made up of several parts: a picture (a requirement), border (optional),<br />
background (optional), and label (optional).<br />
• If the meaning of an icon is not obvious, a label can be added. A picture plus a text label can<br />
be understood faster than a picture alone (unless the picture is self-explanatory).