Exploring visual literacy as a global competency: An international study of the teaching and learning of communication

Engineering education is called upon to foster the development of 21st century skills in addition to teaching deep technical expertise. Both of these kinds of knowledge are needed to lead companies and strengthen communities. Indeed as society and the workplace become more global, it is imperative that we develop effective communication skills in undergraduate engineering students. Our larger, comprehensive research study explores the teaching and learning of four communication capabilities: writing, developing and delivering presentations, visual literacy, and participating in teams. This paper focuses specifically on opportunities for undergraduate engineering students to develop visual literacy skills at three universities located in two different countries.