The EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative recently released “7 Things You Should Know About Visual Literacy.” As usual, the brief is a jargon-free overview of the topic as it relates to teaching and learning. It’s worth reading, and provides fodder for conversations with colleagues and faculty. If you’re short on time, here are the high points from each of the “7 Things:”
- What is it?
“Visual literacy is the ability to recognize and critically appreciate meaning in visual content and to use visual elements to create effective communication.” - How does it work?
“Visualizations often provide better ways to tell a story
or understand data.” - Who’s doing it?
“…some colleges and universities are making visual literacy coursework part of general education requirements.” - Why is it significant?
“…visuals are increasingly used as an adjunct to—and in some cases, a substitute for—text.” - What are the downsides?
“Those who promote visual literacy in higher education
may struggle against a viewpoint that text should be the primary modality for scholarly communication.” - Where is it going?
“…visual content will move seamlessly across a variety of mobile platforms…” - What are the implications for teaching and learning?
“These tools offer students and faculty the opportunity to make new discoveries and find new ways to present complex data.”
