Approaches taken in the United States and France to use of visual pedagogy are compared and discussed. The necessity of integrating semiotic theory and visual pedagogy is underscored, a semiotic model of visual literacy and decoding is outlined, and some advertisements are analyzed, giving suggestions for teaching use. (MSE)

The study "New Media in the Humanities: from metaphors of inevitability to metaphors of possibility," argues that using digital technologies in humanities classrooms (at the post-secondary level) is transformative for both students and professors. It begins by identifying and then allaying the fears that scholars in the humanities…

Articles collected in this issue of UNICEF News deal with different aspects of the theme of communication in development programs. Specifically, topics covered include (1) communication as a total process and the role of communication in overcoming obstacles to social change; (2) a village education and resource center, in Bangladesh, committed to…

Discusses using educational and popular films and television for history instruction. Argues that students need training to see the bias built into film making through the editing process. Urges that critical thinking must be developed in students to make use of mass media coverage of historical and current events as teaching tools. (DK)

This study applies reader-response criticism to investigate subject positions of gender, age, ethnicity, and profession through the poststructural analysis of an art work entitled "A Book from the Sky," and examines the relationship among viewer, text (the art work), and artist. A description of the art work is provided as an…

Given the role science and technology play in economic and social development in today's world, scientific and technological literacy must be given priority as an essential component of basic education. The significance of the visual component of literacy has increased with advances in technology and picture and image usage. The United Nations…

A practical solution to many of the communication obstacles found in international markets can be found in the development and widespread adoption of a standardized system of international graphic symbols. Any plan to develop and implement a truly acceptable and universal system of graphic symbols will have to overcome many obstacles that past…

The possibility of enhancing the comprehension of television news reporting through a school program of literacy education was studied in Italy with 60 7th graders and 50 11th graders. Results demonstrate that even brief critical viewing instruction can have an impact on student comprehension and attitudes. (SLD)

This document contains the welcoming and keynote addresses and selected papers from a 1993 symposium of the International Visual Literacy Association. Topics addressed in the papers include: visual literacy; research methodology and design for content analysis of visual images; multimedia as courseware; design issues in authoring multimedia…

This serial issue examines the theme of picture books as resources for art production and art response; gives specific project descriptions; and looks at the relationship between words and pictures, and the creative connection between art and language. Articles are: (1) "Editor's View" (Sharon McCoubrey); (2) "The Creative…

Intended for designers of culture-oriented visual materials for use in functional literacy and development communication in different cultures and countries, this manual is one in a series of training monographs on literacy in development. The three chapter titles are: "Understanding Visual Literacy,""Acquiring Visual…

Maintains that French educational policy towards art education is hampered by divergent agendas and competing educational directives. While the Ministry of Education supports "education for all," the Ministry of Culture promotes "education of a cultural elite." Discusses the philosophical and political conflicts that created…

Reviews and recommends a series of books using picture postcards to trace a geographical journey. The geographical regions include France, Mexico, Canada, Russia, and the United States. The books introduce young readers to different geographic locations and ways of life. (MJP)

Characterizes the medieval cathedral as an architectural encyclopedia, expressing the humanistic concerns, beliefs, and aspirations of the period in which it was built. Explains the theological, political, and social significance of the cathedral's architectural characteristics from the floor plan to the spires. Discusses the process and problems…

Developed for intermediate and low intermediate adult and young adult English language readers, this book describes selected aspects of art and paintings. Topics covered include how to: (1) understand art as part of the environment that can be seen and felt; (2) recognize illusions; (3) comprehend the language of paintings; (4) read a picture; and…