Visual learning is described to be one of the three styles of learning, the other two being auditory and kinesthetic. The "visual" in it has to do with students utilizing charts, graphs, maps, and diagrams. (Leite, Walter L.; Svinicki, Marilla; and Shi, Yuying: Attempted Validation of the Scores of the VARK: Learning Styles Inventory With Multitrait–Multimethod Confirmatory Factor Analysis Models, p. 2) 

You can consider yourself a visual learner if you are apt to use images, pictures, colors, and maps in order to systemize information or correspond with others. (http://www.learning-styles-online.com/style/visual-spatial/)

Traditionally, what we see in schools and universities is oral delivery, which speaks to those who are naturally prone to perceive better with the auditory style of learning. However, the stastics show that only about ten percent of students are auditory learners in this sense. (Fact: Although only 10 percent of secondary students are auditory learners, 80 percent of instruction is delivered orally. – University of Illinois Extension, 2009, taken from http://visualteachingalliance.com/)

 However, thinking that visual learning benefits such learners exclusively is wrong. Most of us respond faster and better to images and infographics, data suggests. 

These nuggets of information convey that visual representation is the way to go: 

• The brain can see images that last for just 13 milliseconds. 
• Our eyes can register 36,000 visual messages per hour.
• We can get the sense of a visual scene in less than 1/10 of a second. (already mentioned in the inforgraphic above)
• 90% of information transmitted to the brain is visual.
• Visuals are processed 60,000X faster in the brain than text.

(according to http://visualteachingalliance.com/)

SHIFT's E-learning blog lists 5 reasons as to why teaching while heavily relying on visual representation of data is extremely helpful:

1. Visuals linger in your memory. A study suggests 45-55 % of better recollection with visual representation of information. 
2. As mentioned above, the process of information transmission is faster. 
3. Images and the likes of it boost comprehension by 400 %. Really impressive, huh?
4. Imagery helps access emotion in students, which improves memory retention. 
5. Students are found to respond better to visuals than text. (No wonder though, imagine yourself systemizing a new topic from a textbook vs an infographic)

 However, the blog urges htat inappropriate, dull, or poor-quality images obstruct students from learning. It, of course, should be used wisely. 

I invite to get acquainted with the full version of the article here: http://info.shiftelearning.com/blog/bid/350326/Studies-Confirm-the-Power-of-Visuals-in-eLearning

Lastly, I would like to suggest a TED clip where the speaker explains how ;anguage-heavy instruction deters the learning experience for students, and how their Math app trippled the success rate of student in state examinations.