Visual literacy is the ability to see images and interpret the message they are trying to send. Literacy to us, normally means reading , but literacy is changing from words on a page or words being shared to include more. Messages no longer have to include text, we can look at pictures and symbols in order to decipher our information.It is an information transfer that is growing in its popularity today due to the increase in the importance of media. Media comes to us through the television, radio, print, and now the Internet. It has changed how information is transmitted.
The media requires us to have a working knowledge of how to be visually literate. We need to know how to read and decode symbols and pictures just as much as knowing about text. Visual literacy is the actual decoding, but media literacy takes it to the next level. Media literacy requires the reader to analyze for information and decipher the messages. In order to be media literate it is important to take a critical eye and understand that our understanding makes a difference in the information that we receive. Media literacy raises an even stronger argument for the importance of analytical skills and critical thinking skills. Can we form our own opinion or are we easily swayed?
Digital and media literacy are becoming increasingly more important to bring into the classroom as we head into what Douglas Rushkoff called 'screen-agers'. Teens today are more adept than ever at accessing technology and are exposed to more digital images than any other previous generation and it will only continue to increase for years to come. Teachers must find a place in their classrooms to help students dissect the messages and increase their digital and media literacy. In this digital age, we must help our student to be better prepared for what they will be exposed to outside of the classroom. I see my role as helping students to expand on their life skills and digital and media literacy are crucial life skills the same as basic text literacy is.
Nice summary of visual and media literacy and their importance. I like Ruskoff's term "screen agers" and your emphasis of preparing students to dissect messages particularly as they are members of a participatory culture.
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