AI Literacy in Teaching and Learning: A Durable Framework for Higher Education

AI Literacy in Teaching and Learning: Executive Summary

An EDUCAUSE Working Group Paper

Students, faculty, and staff need to understand the fundamentals of AI to able to effectively use AI tools and evaluate the outputs.

Person holding a smartphone displaying an AI icon with various educational symbols in a digital overlay. 
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This report presents a comprehensive framework for AI Literacy in Teaching and Learning (ALTL) in higher education, addressing the need for institutions to adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI). The framework equips students, faculty, and staff to engage effectively and ethically with AI technologies in academic and professional contexts.

ALTL involves understanding AI fundamentals, critically evaluating AI applications, and maintaining vigilance against misuse and bias. The framework provides tailored definitions, competencies, and outcomes for students, faculty, and staff, focusing on four key areas: Technical Understanding, Evaluative Skills, Practical Application, and Ethical Considerations.

For students, ALTL emphasizes understanding and ethically applying AI in academic contexts. The focus for faculty is on integrating AI in teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities. Staff concentrate on supporting AI implementation in administrative and operational processes.

The framework emphasizes proactive fostering of AI literacy to mitigate risks, maximize potential, and maintain a competitive edge. It emphasizes responsible AI use, addressing issues such as bias, privacy, and data security.

Recommendations include adopting and adapting this framework to institutional needs, developing comprehensive training programs, integrating AI literacy into existing curricula, establishing policies for responsible AI use, fostering continuous learning, and regularly assessing AI literacy initiatives.

By implementing this ALTL framework, institutions can lead in AI integration in education, preparing their communities to thrive in an AI-driven world while upholding ethical standards and fostering critical thinking.