Mohd Fauzi Mohd Harun

The Use of Infographics as a Tool for Facilitating Learning

Infographics is a combination of the words “information” and “graphics” used to combine the data into a design. It could help to facilitate individuals or organizations in spreading information to the audience concisely. It is known that the misuse of visual communication can affect the concept of communication that was aimed to be presented by using images. Weak design and unstructured images failed to convey ideas and information and the lack of knowledge about visual communication could hinder learners to accurately interpret images. Hence, this study examines the use of infographics as a tool for facilitating learning among graphic design and digital media learners in UiTM Melaka. Ninety-nine learners with similar demographic background have been selected using simple random sampling method. The data collection was via quantitative methodology and descriptive statistics with a set of questionnaire as the main instrument which has undergone content validity and reliability testing. A pilot study was conducted with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.884. The findings suggested that the difficult learning problems encountered by learners was to execute instructors’ assignment without proper guidelines, while others found that the use of too many slides presentation and too wordy information presented by instructors were a hindrance to their classroom learning. Besides that, it was also discovered that all infographics features including the use of images and symbols, good design, attractive colors, concise texts and diagram, or chart could encourage learners to understand better with any learning information delivered through it. Finally, the acceptance of learners about infographics application in facilitating their learning sessions was most appreciated due to its high suitability to make information concise and coherent, it enhances creativity and productivity, and improves understanding and concentration in the learning session. Therefore, infographics should be promoted as one of the tools to ease learners’ problems especially those that involve learners with tendency of having visual literacy skills.

Kufi Lari: The Hybrid of Khat Kufi to Uphold the Malays’ Identity in Digital Art Application

Islamic calligraphy known as Khat was first introduced by the Arabs. There is a variety of Khat including the Kufi, Tuluth, and Nasakh. Each type of Khat has its own identity based on several influences such as ornamentals from flora and other nature elements. It influences Malays’ culture from centuries ago. The identical influences can be found on wood carvings especially from the Malays’ traditional houses and palaces. Therefore, the initiative to combine the traditional wood carving motif which is Awan Larat and Larik, a polishing process in wood carving and with the development and improvement of Kufi Fatimi has resulted in a new hybrid of Khat Kufi known as Kufi Lari’. The results have revealed that Kufi Lari’ in general has an aesthetic value with the influence of ornamental elements even though there is a confusion to identify specifically if the Malays’ identity was embedded based on the ornamental elements due to the close similarities that have been shown between the Malays’ identity with the Arabic and Islamic influences.