Graphic organizers are also useful as a non-verbal communication device. While I would be remiss if I did not shed a tear for the fact that visual communication is (in part) responsible for the lowering of reading and writing skills, it is also undeniable that a picture is worth a thousand words, if it lends to instant understanding of the concept at hand. In a course that has a high volume of new material, the idea that a picture or graphic can communicate instantly what would take 100 - 500 words ... it is not only a valuable tool for learning, but a welcome time saver in the process of learning new material.