You already know AI is a force. The question is how to master it. This guide provides the framework, built on the three pillars below. Everything that follows is designed to build your expertise in these domains. Let's get to work.
The Three Pillars of AI Literacy
A framework for responsible and effective AI use.
Technical Understanding
Grasping what AI is, how large language models (LLMs) work, and what their core capabilities and limitations are.
Why it matters:
Knowing the "how" helps you write better prompts, troubleshoot outputs, and use AI as a tool, not a magic box.
Evaluative Judgment
Critically assessing AI-generated content for accuracy, relevance, bias, and appropriateness for your academic task.
Why it matters:
You are the final authority. This pillar ensures the work you submit is correct, meets your requirements, and is truly your own.
Ethical Awareness
Considering the societal impact of AI, from data privacy and algorithmic bias to its use in academic and professional settings.
Why it matters:
This ensures your use of AI is not only compliant with academic rules but also responsible and fair to society at large.
Your Guide to this AI Literacy Guide
Navigate the three core areas of AI literacy to build your skills from the ground up.
Understand & Explore
Start here to demystify the technology. This section covers what GenAI is, how it works, and its fundamental capabilities and limitations.
Analyze & Apply
Move from theory to practice. Learn how to critically evaluate AI outputs and use them as a tool for "weightlifting," not "forklifting."
Implement & Lead
Go beyond basic use. This section focuses on strategic integration, responsible leadership, and how to explain and justify your AI-assisted work.
Your Commitment to Academic Integrity
By using AI tools in my academic work, I commit to upholding the highest standards of integrity. I will adhere to the following principles:
- Transparency: I will clearly acknowledge and cite the use of AI tools in my work according to my instructor's and the college's guidelines.
- Verification: I will independently verify any facts, data, or citations provided by an AI, as I am responsible for the accuracy of my work.
- Originality: I will use AI as a tool to assist my learning and productivity, not to replace my own critical thinking and original thought.
