Distinguished Teaching Professor, emeritus, Educational Technology, Research, and Assessment, Northern Illinois University

Field of Study: Educational Communications and Media

Member since: 1982

What does your work involve and how does it intersect with visual literacy?

As a professor, I taught courses in visual literacy, media design and production, research methods and advised and directed dissertations.  I also gave workshops in these topics to teachers, museum educators, and instructional designers.

How did you become interested in visual literacy?

I always loved movies and learned photography early in my childhood.

Teaching middle schoolers I developed curricular activities in film and video production and analysis which were very successful.  Seeking a master’s degree (and continuing through the PhD) in media, I worked with Ann DeVaney, PhD, at Univ. of Wisconsin, who encouraged critical analysis of visual communications and introduced me and my fellow students to IVLA.  Several of us became active members; along with me, Marina McIsaac, Robert Muffaletto, and David Considine among others all served in Board and Officer positions and hosted conferences.

What are you currently working on?

As an IVLA Board member, I have helped plan and organize the conferences in San Francisco and Chicago along with other Board responsibilities.  My most recent VL involvement has been with several smaller museums in Chicago, helping CPS teachers learn to integrate visual literacy activities and CCSS into their existing practices. As a new experience, I recorded an NIU STEAM Podcast along with illustrator Tom Lichtenheld discussing the importance of visuals for learning.

What are you currently reading/writing/watching/listening to and/or curious about?

I read contemporary fiction with two book groups, and love listening to Carrie Newcomer and other singer songwriters, along with interesting podcasts on current issues.  I am concerned about overuse of digital tools, personal privacy on social media, and the next generation’s development in communication and critical analysis of mediated messages.

What does the term ‘visual literacy’ mean to you?

Visual literacy is the learned ability to see, analyze, understand, and create meaningful communication in any visual medium.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Active membership in IVLA for over 30 (!) years has given me so many irreplaceable opportunities for learning, for professional development, for exciting travel to international locales, for collaborative projects, and for friendships.