"Visual literacy is the reading and writing of visual texts."
What is visual literacy?
Visual literacy is the ability to interpret, communicate through, and make meaning from information through visual images. It is the idea that images can be "read" and that a person can make meaning of what the image portrays. People can also express their ideas or thoughts through images to communicate.
What do these pictures mean? How did you figure out what they mean? Can images have multiple meanings? Would someone else interpret the image differently? How could someone teach someone about these images? What is the importance of learning the meaning of these images?
While looking at these images you are not just seeing the images, you are understanding their meaning. You are taking in what the image "says" and interpreting it. Many people start off learning the meanings of the basic images such as the yield sign and car. Looking at these you interpret to slow down and the other image is a car that you use to drive around. The other two images are more abstract and can have multiple meanings and different interpretations. By examining these images you can closely look at them to understand the meaning behind them.
While looking at these images you are not just seeing the images, you are understanding their meaning. You are taking in what the image "says" and interpreting it. Many people start off learning the meanings of the basic images such as the yield sign and car. Looking at these you interpret to slow down and the other image is a car that you use to drive around. The other two images are more abstract and can have multiple meanings and different interpretations. By examining these images you can closely look at them to understand the meaning behind them.
Importance of visual literacy
- Visual literacy allows for better communication
- You can express your thoughts through an image.
- "Visual texts are accessible to all readers."
- "Visual images communicate certain information more clearly than verbal texts."
- "Visuals can help with comprehension."
- "Visual literacy is a life skill."
- When students start learning the alphabet and numbers, this is one of the first things they acquire.