If a picture is worth a thousand words then imagine how we can enhance communication using images and words together to create visual content by:

learning the basics of how to use a digital still camera;
downloading your pictures to a computer using Picasa photo album;
using Image editing software in Picasa and Picnik to create more advanced imaging techniques;
and finally, integrating your edited images in the curriculum.

As a teacher it doesn't matter if you are a beginner or a novice, your goal is to create of collect images that will optimize visual literacy with your students.

What is Visual Literacy?

"Visual literacy is defined as the ability to interpret images as well as to generate images for communicating ideas and concepts". (Stokes, 2002)

A visually literate person should be able to

Interpret, understand and appreciate the meaning of visual messages;
Communicate more effectively by applying the basic principles and concepts of visual design;
Produce visual messages using computers and other technologies; and
Use visual thinking to conceptualize solutions to problems

(from Jerry Christopherson, 1996 International Visual Literacy Association Conference, referenced from the book, Visual Literacy: Learn to See, See to Learn By Lynell Burmark, p.3, 2002)

Additonal Resources:

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