The signs are everywhere--for those who can read them. Because of television, advertising, and the Internet, the primary literacy of the 21st century will be visual. It's no longer enough to read and write text. Our students must learn to process both words and pictures. They must be able to move gracefully and fluently between text and images, between literal and figurative worlds.

This practical book examines the effect on education of a primarily visual world. Author Lynell Burmark provides guidance on many topics, including:

A definition and history of visual literacy

The uses of different typefaces and fonts

The effect of color

Using visuals to welcome students

A new approach to presentations

Combining real and virtual worlds

Teaching visual literacy can enhance student learning in K-12 classrooms and also improve students' options in the workplace. From print materials to computer-based presentations and the myriad graphical sites on the World Wide Web, an image-rich curriculum can reach more students and teach them more quickly and meaningfully than traditional written student reports and text-based, verbal instruction ever could.

Visual Literacy offers a wealth of practical tips and strategies for powerful, effective presentations--by both teachers and students. This book invites educators and students to examine new vistas with a critical eye, as they learn to see and see to learn.