Visual Literacy Using Digital Still Images
 
Search Site

MSAP Grant Workshop Evaluation

Digital Media Literacy Series PD

Ed Tech Workshop Evaluation


If a picture is worth a thousand words then imagine how we can enhance communication using images and words together to create visual content by:

1) learning the basics of how to use a digital still camera;

2) downloading your pictures to a computer; and

3) using ImageBlender software to create more advanced imaging techniques and integrate those images in the curriculum.

As a teacher it doesn't matter if you are a beginner or a novice, your goal is to create of collect images that will optimize visual literacy with a community of learners.

What is Visual Literacy?

"Visual literacy is defined as the ability to interpret images as well as to generate images for communicating ideas and concepts". (Stokes, 2002)

A visually literate person should be able to

  • Interpret, understand and appreciate the meaning of visual messages;
  • Communicate more effectively by applying the basic principles and concepts of visual design;
  • Produce visual messages using computers and other technologies; and
  • Use visual thinking to conceptualize solutions to problems

(from Jerry Christopherson, 1996 International Visual Literacy Association Conference, referenced from the book, Visual Literacy: Learn to See, See to Learn By Lynell Burmark, p.3, 2002)

Additonal Resources:

  1. Harnessing the Power of Visual Literacy
    by Lynell Burmark
  2. Visual Literacy K-8
  3. Digital Glyphs: Imaging Ideas for a Visual World
  4. eduscapes Visual Literacy Activities
  5. Visual Literacy and Picture Books

Dear God,
I didn't think orange went with purple
until I saw the sunset you made on
Tuesday. That was cool.
– Eugene

“I didn't think . . . until I saw.”

Eugene takes us to the heart of visual literacy. It’s not just looking at pretty pictures. It’s understanding how we think – how we connect what we already know about the world, life, relationships and values to those pictures – and then use them to make sense of our
expanded world.

from Visual Literacy: Learn to See, See to Learn by Lynell Burmark, 2008 ebook



Doug McIntosh, Educational Technology Resource Teacher
Site last updated 11/16/08