This study reviews historical thinking about visual literacy, addresses the issue of setting visual literacy's parameters, and provides a philosophy to link individual theories in this multidisciplinary movement. The report examines the roots of the visual literacy movement and the seminal literature in the field. It includes a categorizing of…

New optical information storage technologies such as the interactive video disc make possible change in how students will learn in classrooms of the future. Similar historical developments whose influences were wide ranging are discussed. Ongoing studies of interactive video applications at Massachusetts Institute of Technology are described. (JL)

A curriculum approach is suggested which joins art education and language arts in academic skills development. The works of Piaget, Langer, Arnheim, and Eisner provide a theoretical basis for this effort. Three content elements are suggested: the history and appreciation of books; writing the text; and books as art forms. (CS)