What is Visual Literacy?

What is Visual Literacy?

The term “visual literacy” was first coined in 1969 by John Debes, who was the founder of the International Visual Literacy Association:
“Visual Literacy refers to a group of vision-competencies a human being can develop by seeing and at the same time having and integrating other sensory experiences. The development of these competencies is fundamental to normal human learning. When developed, they enable a visually literate person to discriminate and interpret the visible actions, objects, symbols, natural or man-made, that he encounters in his environment. Through the creative use of these competencies, he is able to communicate with others. Through the appreciative use of these competencies, he is able to comprehend and enjoy the masterworks of visual communication.” – John Debes, 1969

Visual Literacy: Seeing, Understanding, and Creating Meaning

Visual literacy is the ability to interpret, understand, and create meaning through images, symbols, and visual forms. In today’s world, where students are constantly surrounded by visual media—digital images, videos, infographics, and interactive interfaces—being able to “read” and respond thoughtfully to what they see is an essential skill. Visual literacy goes beyond recognizing shapes or colours; it involves analyzing composition, perspective, symbolism, and context, as well as expressing ideas through one’s own visual creations.

In Elementary Education, teaching visual literacy is crucial because it provides students with the tools to make sense of their world and communicate their understanding. When children engage with visual media critically, they learn to notice patterns, interpret meaning, and connect abstract ideas to real-world experiences. Creating art allows students to translate their thoughts, emotions, and observations into visual form, strengthening both cognitive and emotional development.

Visual literacy also supports learning across disciplines. For example, interpreting diagrams and graphs in science, mapping social studies concepts visually, or creating storyboards in language arts all rely on skills developed through visual literacy. Furthermore, fostering visual literacy nurtures creativity, imagination, and problem-solving, empowering students to become not only consumers of visual culture but also active creators and critical thinkers.

In essence, teaching visual literacy equips students with a language of seeing—a language that helps them understand themselves, their communities, and the wider world, while giving them the confidence to express ideas in compelling, thoughtful, and innovative ways. In our rapidly changing, image-rich society, it is not an optional skill; it is fundamental to education, identity, and participation in the world.

Consider:

  1. How can teaching visual literacy help students critically interpret and question the images, videos, and interactive media they encounter in digital spaces, including social media and AI-generated content?

  2. In what ways can fostering visual literacy prepare students to create and communicate responsibly using technology, digital tools, and AI platforms?

  3. How does developing students’ visual literacy support their ability to understand the intentions, biases, and ethical implications embedded in media and AI-generated visuals?