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ai literacy

AI Literacy

As AI becomes more and more ubiquitous, it is increasingly important that students have basic understanding and familiarity with these tools. AI literacy is an emerging concept, and can be defined as the ability of an individual to comprehend basic AI concepts, critically evaluate AI tools, and understand ethical and societal implications of the use of AI. 

AI Literacy Frames and Competencies

The frames below are presented in Hervieux, Sandy, and Amanda Wheatley (2024). “Building an AI Literacy Framework: Perspectives from Instruction Librarians and Current Information Literacy Tools” Choice White Paper.

Frame 1: Know the basic principles of AI

  • Review definitions of AI, machine learning, deep leaning, neural networks, and other terminology that is key to progressing in AI literacy skills 
  • Understand the human intervention involved in AI technologies 

Frame 2: Understand the fundamental differences of AI types

  • Recognize the different types and subtypes of AI 
  • Understand which subtypes of AI are used in certain tools 

Frame 3: Experiment with AI tools 

  • Experiment with AI with intention
  • Practice creating effective prompts in a variety of generative AI tools 

Frame 4: Review the outputs and outcomes of AI tools 

  • Consider the output of AI in relation to the user's purpose and need 
  • Analyze and critique the products of AI 
  • Distinguish between AI and human created content 

Frame 5: Evaluate the impact of AI on a societal scale 

  • Understand and discuss the ethical implications of AI including bias, environmental impacts, human labor, etc. 

Frame 6: Engage with AI discourse 

  • Stay involved with discourse on AI, particularly as it relates to the user's scholarship or career 

AI and Meaningful Learning