Study of Publishing Patterns in Visual Literacy and Education

Abstract

Before textual literacy became common, humans used images to communicate meaning and provide context. John Debes defined this type of communication as visual literacy. As technology advanced, allowing for quick access to images, teaching shifted from lecture-based learning to the use of images to develop communication, memory, and critical thinking skills. The author describes her study of publishing patterns in visual literacy and education in different disciplines at all grade levels. The article also presents examples of how numerous disciplines utilize images to teach visual literacy in the classroom.