Abstract
M.A. (Applied Linguistics)
The aim of this study is to point out how visual literacy can enhance the learning process,
especially relating to study by means of distance education.
The concepts of literacy and visual literacy are defined and discussed. Special
attention is paid to the concept of academic literacy and what it entails. The conclusion
is reached that visual literacy's an integral part of literacy as traditionally defined, and
that no-one can be truly literate in the media-oriented society in which we live, without
being visually literate.
The concept of distance education is explored and recent developments at Technikon SA
are outlined,as well as difficulties experienced by students who study through distance
education. The discussion is focused on reasons why students enter the tertiary
education system under prepared and why levels of visual literacy are generally very low.
The pictorial approach to the design and production of study material for distance
education is explained and discussed. Various visual elements of study material are
discussed with regard to the promotion of leaning and the development of visual
literacy.
Recommendations are made pertaining mainly to the design and production of study
material at Technikon SA. Low levels of visual literacy tend to be overlooked in current
development of study material. The process of visual literacy development should be
integral to the objectives of study material design.