Name: Teaching Visual Ethics through Play
Start: 2026-10-08T09:30:00-0400
End: 2026-10-08T10:00:00-0400

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:30am - 10:00am EDT

The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025 identifies misinformation and disinformation as the most significant short-term global threat. At the same time, visual media—particularly images circulating through digital platforms—has become a powerful vehicle for spreading misleading information. Despite this shift toward image-driven communication, educational debates often emphasize technological developments rather than the critical skills needed to interpret and evaluate visual media. Visual literacy education, which encourages critical reflection on the ethics of image creation, production, and dissemination, offers a promising response. However, educators currently have limited pedagogical tools for teaching visual ethics. This study explores whether a tabletop card game can support the development of visual and ethical literacy in university classrooms. Using a mixed-methods approach—including participant observation during game development, student surveys, and lecturer focus groups —the research evaluates the game’s effectiveness as a teaching tool. Findings aim to expand game-based learning strategies and support visual literacy education across disciplines and educational levels.

Speakers

Dana S. Thompson

Research and Instruction Librarian, Murray State University

Dana S. Thompson is a research and instruction librarian and associate professor at Murray State University. Dana currently serves as the President of the International Visual Literacy Association and has served as a member of the ACRL Visual Literacy Taskforce. Her research and teaching... Read More →

Carol Record

Adjunct Instructor, Upper Iowa University

Carol Record is a graphic designer, photographer, game designer, and educator. As an adjunct instructor at Upper Iowa University, she teaches graphic design and photography, while also working as a graphic designer and game developer. In response to high demand, Carol founded Blackwater... Read More →

Savannah Dodd

Founder and director of the Photography Ethics Centre, Queen's University Belfast

Savannah Dodd is a photographer and anthropologist. In 2017, Savannah founded the Photography Ethics Centre. Savannah earned her PhD in anthropology at Queen's University Belfast (2023) and her MA in anthropology and sociology from the Graduate Institute of International and Development... Read More →

Thursday October 8, 2026 9:30am - 10:00am EDT
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IVLA 2026 Charleston

Dana S. Thompson

Carol Record

Savannah Dodd

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Success you have shared X tickets.

IVLA 2026 Charleston

Dana S. Thompson

Carol Record

Savannah Dodd

Attendees (2)

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