What is Visual Literacy?

From rundonotwalk.blogspot.com

from http://www.iamuni.net/campaign

Now that we have have a few classes, and discussed aspects of visual literacy during class, I have decided to see what other people define visual literacy as to help me develop my own definition/theory of it. Below are three definitions that I found to be the most helpful to me.
Visual literacy is the ability to interpret, negotiate, and make meaning from information presented in the form of an image. Visual literacy is based on the idea that pictures can be “read” and that meaning can be communicated through a process of reading. (Wikipedia)

From justbathroomsigns.com

Visual literacy is the ability to look at visual information with perception. A visually literate person understands how visual elements contribute to the meaning of the whole. (PBS)
Visual literacy is the ability to interpret and use design elements of visual texts and to understand how they can be used for particular purposes in specific contexts. (Oxford University Document)

From newworldencyclopedia.org

After reading through this definitions, I have established my own theory: Visual literacy is the ability to interpret, create meaning from, and use visual information and elements to communicate with others the meaning of a whole idea.

I also wanted to find websites and videos that help define and expand the meaning of visual literacy. Visual literacy K-8 is a website for K-8 classroom teachers who are interested in helping children to read and write information, both print and electronic. Visual literacy helps children to learn to read and to enjoy reading! Examples of visual texts include: diagrams, maps, tables, time lines, and storyboard. 

I also found a pretty cool wiki that is all about visual literacy. The wiki includes definitions, activities, reasons why to learn about it, and how to use it. 

from clevelandsports.org

from otisframpton.typepad.com

dormzy.com

This video is very thought provoking and really made me think about the power of visual symbols and the everyday effect they have on people from all societies.


This video is made for teachers to use in their classrooms to inspire students.




To sum up, I have learned a lot about visual literacy while searching different websites and videos. There are visual symbols EVERYWHERE in our world, and all citizens should know how to interpret this symbols that represent specific people, places, things, and ideas. Throughout this post are some images that I see everyday in my life as a college student at UNI.

From friends-scripts.tumblr.com

From http://local.yahoo.com/info-
45044036-cradles-2-crayons-cedar-falls