Visual Literacy in The Classroom

Visual Literacy

. . . the learned ability to interpret visual messages accurately and to create such messages.

Developing Visual Literacy:

Input Strategies - Helping learners to decode, or "read" visuals proficiently by practicing visual analysis skills.

• Developmental Effects
• Cultural Effects
• Visual Preferences

Output - Helping learners to encode, or "write" visuals to express themselves and communicate with others.

Role of Visuals in Instruction

• Provide a concrete referent for ideas
• Make abstract ideas concrete
• Motivate Learners
• Direct attention
• Repeat information in different formats
• Recall prior learning
• Reduce learner effort

Taken from Smaldino, Lowther and Russell (2008: 52-58)

Click here to view visual literacy tutorial.