Call for Papers: Special Issue of the Journal of Visual Literacy (JVL)

Pixels, Bots, and Algorithms: Exploring the Intersection of AI and Visual Literacy

The Journal of Visual Literacy (JVL) invites submissions for a special issue focused on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and visual literacy. AI is transforming the field, reshaping how we engage with visual information and offering new insights and opportunities in research and application related to visual literacy. At the same time, visual literacy provides a critical lens for examining attitudes, perceptions, and the broader implications of AI. This special issue seeks to explore how AI can enhance, challenge, or redefine visual literacy competencies and practices across diverse contexts.

We encourage contributions that connect these themes with foundational theories and research in visual literacy, such as those established by Debes (1969) on the concept of visual literacy, Messaris’ studies on visual perception (1994), Avgerinou’s competencies framework (2007), Elkin’s complex visual information analysis (2009), Serafini’s multimodal literacy (2014), and Avgerinou and Pettersson’s visual literacy theory (2011; 2020). By grounding new explorations on these established perspectives, this special issue aims to advance the dialogue around AI’s influence on visual literacy. Further, we welcome manuscripts from diverse disciplines that explore theoretical perspectives, innovative applications, methodological approaches, and reflective insights on the complex interplay between AI and visual literacy.

Topics of Interest

We welcome a range of submissions that relate, but are not limited to, the following areas:

  • AI as a Tool for Visual Literacy. Examining how AI tools such as machine learning, image recognition, and generative AI models influence visual literacy skills and practices.

  • Visual Literacy in AI-Enhanced Learning Environments. Investigating the pedagogical implications of integrating AI-driven visuals in learning settings and assessing how AI impacts visual literacy skill-development across educational levels.

  • Imagining and Visualizing AI. Exploring how individuals conceptualize, mentally picture and imagine AI through visual metaphors and projective techniques.

  • AI and Art. How is AI being used in the arts to both challenge and expand traditional concepts of authorship and originality?

  • AI in Visual Pedagogies. How can AI support visual literacy development across educational settings? What is the impact on learning design and learner engagement?

  • AI’s Impact on Data Visualization and Visual Literacy. Examining the role of AI in data visualization, infographics, and the enhancement of visual storytelling.

  • Access, Inclusion, and AI. How can AI be used to increase accessibility in visual literacy, supporting diverse learning needs and creating inclusive visual experiences?

  • Ethics, Misinformation, and Critical Visual Literacy. Given the growing concern over misinformation, particularly in AI-generated content (deep-fakes, synthetic media, image manipulation, etc.), we welcome submissions that examine the ethical dimensions of visual literacy in the AI age.

Submission Types

  1. Full-length articles (5,000-7,000 words): empirical research, theoretical discussions, and literature reviews.
  2. Innovative practices and teaching ideas (2,000-3,000 words): descriptions of practical activities, teaching methods, or projects that relate to the special issue topic.

Submission Guidelines

All submissions must adhere to JVL’s submission guidelines. Manuscripts should be submitted through the JVL Editorial Manager, ensuring selection of the special issue option.

Important Dates

  • Submission deadline: February 15, 2025

  • Expected publication: May 31, 2025

Further Inquiries

For questions or additional information, please contact the guest editors:

    • Irene Karayianni
      Assistant Professor
      Department of Psychology, The American College of Greece
      ikarayianni@acg.edu
    • Konstantinos Leftheriotis

      Lecturer
      Management Information Systems (MIS), The American College of Greece
      kolef@acg.edu

We encourage contributions from international researchers, educators, artists, and practitioners to showcase diverse perspectives on the evolving dimensions of visual literacy in an AI-driven world.

References

  • Avgerinou, M.D., & Pettersson, R. (2020). Visual literacy theory: Moving forward. In S. Josephson, K. Smith, & J. Kelly, (Eds.). Handbook of visual communication (2nd ed.), (pp. 433-463). Routledge.
  • Avgerinou, M.D., & Pettersson, R. (2011). Toward a cohesive theory of visual literacy. Journal of Visual Literacy, 30 (2), 1-19.
  • Avgerinou, M.D. (2007). Towards a visual literacy index. Journal of Visual Literacy, 27(1), 29-46.
  • Debes, J.L. (1969). The loom of visual literacy. Audiovisual Instruction, 14(8), 25-27.
  • Elkins, J. (Ed.). (2009). Visual literacy. Routledge.
  • Messaris, P. (1994). Visual “literacy”: Image, mind, and reality. Westview Press.
  • Serafini, F. (2015). Multimodal literacy: From theories to practices. Language Arts, 92(6), 412-423.