International Visual Literacy Association

Program created by the International Visual Literacy Association.

From the description of International Visual Literacy Association Curriculums in Visual Literacy Project papers, 1977-1982. (Scottsdale Public Library). WorldCat record id: 27132679

The International Visual Literacy Association began in the fall of 1968 when a group of people interested in various aspects of visuals in education and communication met to plan a conference on visual literacy. This group, which was co-chaired by Jack Debes of Kodak and Clarence Williams of the University of Rochester, included Sam Ross, Colin Turbayne, Paul Wendt, and Richard Nibeck. In March of 1969 about 350 people from many disciplines gathered in Rochester to present papers and discuss their theories and applications of visuals. The conference was very successful and the attendees decided to make it an annual event.

Today, IVLA is an eclectic organization of professionals working toward a fuller understanding of the way we derive meaning from what we see and the way we interact with our visual environment. Members represent a wide range of disciplines including the arts, sciences, communication theory, semiotics, graphic design, photography, videography, media studies, architecture, business, education, educational technology, instructional design, health, psychology, linguistics, philosophy, cultural anthropology, brain research, and computer applications.

From the guide to the International Visual Literacy Association Records, 1969-2001, (Arizona State University Libraries Visual Literacy Collection)

The International Visual Literacy Association Curricula in Visual Literacy Project was a program created by the International Visual Literacy Association (IVLA). Founded in 1967, the main objective of IVLA is the research, development, and promotion of visual literacy, a concept that refers to the way people interpret and learn to interpret visual forms of communication.

In 1981, the IVLA established the Curriculum Task Force headed by Professor Dennis Dake of Iowa State University. The Task Force was assigned to seek out with the assistance of IVLA members educational programs they felt were most exemplary in the use of visual instruction, visual learning, and the integration of visual education with other educational aspects.

After compiling over fifty nominations from IVLA members, the Task Force ranked the programs they felt were the most effective. The top twenty four programs were contacted and asked to submit the philosophy behind their programs to the Task Force in more detail. Nineteen of the twenty four programs responded to the inquiry; their information, along with the Task Force's overall findings, were put together in a book entitled "Curriculums in Visual Literacy."

From the guide to the International Visual Literacy Association Curricula in Visual Literacy Project Papers, 1977-1982., (Arizona State University Libraries Visual Literacy Collection)