Visual literacy is the ability to analyze and derive meaning from information presented in image form. Under this definition, images can be read and through the process of reading these images, meaning can be derived and subsequently communicated.

One of the seven recommendations made in a report from the Office of Educational Technology (U.S. Department of Education, 2004) for continuing to improve the use of technology in schools is a distinct move toward digital content.

Technology-based holiday gifts that are popular with children like iPods, video game systems, and laptop computers often gain a bad reputation among parents and teachers for dumbing down kids. But the introduction of educational applications for these devices may change their minds.

Cyndee Perkins, director of curriculum and program development for Computer Explorers said that popular technology gifts can engage children in activities that reinforce learning across core subjects and develop important problem-solving skills. Computer Explorers is an education technology franchise based in Houston, TX. The company launched in 1983 and today, serves over 25,000 students each week at its 60 locations throughout the U.S. and in five foreign countries.