Whether or not knowledge about the painter Picasso is helpful or indispensable in teaching appreciation of his art is discussed. Three studies by Denis Thomas, Mary M. Gedo, and Frank Elgar that argue that knowledge of Picasso the man helps students understand his paintings are examined. (RM)

Reexamines the advantages of using short films in English classes, describes several effective films for classroom use, and presents a list of 150 outstanding short movies. (MM)

Media education is expanding, both as a subject in its own right, and as a cross-curricular theme. Based on detailed classroom research, this book identifies the rewards and achievements, as well as the difficulties and contradictions, of teaching about the media in Great Britain. Four major themes emerge: the process of teaching and learning; the…

The corporate takeover of the Internet has moved literacy into uncharted territory. Couched in capitalist metaphors of liberation, choice, utility, and desirability, an expanded communications network that provides quick and easy access to vast amounts of information appeals to the national psyche. The commodification of literacy as a result of…

This paper describes how staff at McKendree College in Illinois are working to improve student teachers' visual and verbal literacy skills as part of a children's literature class. It explains the importance of visual literacy in teaching and learning within diverse classrooms and the need for children to express themselves with writing and art,…

Argues that films and documentaries are useful in promoting critical analysis and classroom discussion. Discusses films that are effective teaching tools. Warns that some films may provide only one side of a story, and teachers must be careful to present a balanced discussion. Includes sources for obtaining these films. (AJL)

Contains the following two leadership profiles of individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of instructional technology: "Francis M. Dwyer: Visual Researcher Extraordinaire" (David M. Moore); and "Tribute to John G. Hedberg: Professor of Education, University of Wollongong" (Thomas Reeves). (MES)

This is a pilot study which addresses whether teachers should be taught about visual literacy. A preliminary review of the literature revealed that: (1) prospective teachers need training in the skills and knowledge related to visual literacy if they are to develop such skills and knowledge in their students, and (2) visual literacy is not a…

This study explores the interpretation of two types of flow diagrams composed of different visual elements intended to communicate the same meaning. Using linear and cyclical diagrams, the study focused on whether, given a series of diagrams using linear elements and a series using cyclical elements, both types of visuals convey the same message…

The purpose of the study reported in this paper was to examine the effect of visuals possessing different amounts of realistic detail and the effects of integrating covert and overt rehearsal strategies into visually complemented prose instruction. A total of 128 university students participated in the study, which involved a prose text on the…

A few of the relationships between visual and verbal components are explored. Visuals are considered to be things that can be seen, visible things other than printed words that are used in a communication process. The term verbal applies to written or spoken words. The natural tendency for visual and verbal components to be mutually supportive has…

For the most part, the visual component has been ignored in programs developed to improve the general education of undergraduate students. At the University of Cincinnati (Ohio), however, a general education program has been developed that includes a visual literacy component. Faculty development workshops have been held to remind faculty members…

Through the use of a visual literacy process of instruction as an initial stage in perceiving and creating, beginning college art students can acquire knowledge and skills for completing successful drawings. This process includes the following steps: selecting a simple and familiar subject; studying the entire form of the subject; looking for big…

One use of television in the two-year college classroom is to help students to deal with inferences. An inferencing exercise that students have generally enjoyed is watching television for a certain length of time at home and taking accurate notes of the commercials. Then, each student pretends to be a space creature who has just landed and seen…

The goal of an introductory graphics course is fundamental visual literacy, which includes learning to appreciate the power of visuals in communication and to express ideas visually. Traditional principles of design--the focus of the course--are based on more fundamental gestalt theory, which relates to human pattern-seeking behavior, particularly…