Visual Literacy in the Classroom

How can visual literacy and the use of the Internet impact the teaching and learning process in the classroom?
In the 21st century, learners must be able to interpret visual messages accurately and to create such messages Students are inundated with visuals, therefore, it has become vital for them to be able to read, understand, create, analyze, and learn from the persuasiveness of visuals.   Using visual literacy in the classroom addresses the needs of students who are visual learners as well as develop critical thinking skills for all students.  Visual literacy can help students enhance their ability to learn, exhibit learning, work, and succeed in an increasingly visual world.  Using the internet can help learners to decode or “read” visuals (e.g., through picture analysis and discussion of multimedia and video programs) and encode or “write” visuals (e.g., through planning and producing visual presentations using technology tools such as Power Point or free digital software) (Smaldino, Lowther, & Russell, 2008).  The internet provides students and teachers with immediate access to numerous teaching and networking tools such as virtual field trips, research information, articles, blogs, websites, chat rooms, publications, wikis, email, discussion forums, for example.  These tools allow teachers and students to communicate and collaborate, while enhancing higher level thinking skills.
What are some visual-thinking strategies you would like to use in your classroom?
In my classroom I love to use videos to show how math relates to the real-world (virtual field trips, teacher tube videos, Smart board lessons with videos), images from the internet of real people using math or items that relate to mathematical topics, power-points, and Google earth tools ( satellite pictures, etc.)  I would like to use blogs, discussion forums, chat rooms, and video conferencing with other educators and people around the world.
What role do you want the Internet play in your classroom?
I use the Internet to show video tutorials, for virtual field trips, demonstrations, email, educational games, and drill-and-practice.  I would like to use the Internet more effectively as a teaching tool, more than entertainment; to help students understand the possibilities are limitless if they are willing to be proactive, inquisitive, and hungry to learn.  Understanding and using technology is one the keys to their future and the avenue to their success in the 21^st century.