What does it mean to be generative AI literate? It means that one has knows or has a basic understanding of:
- how GAI works, that is, how it collects and processes data, and how it uses data to inform itself and provide query results
- when to apply GAI for the best results or assistance by understanding the context and purpose of use.
- the potential for error and bias in GAI
- potential social and ethical implications of GAI applications given that they have the ability to create new texts, video/audio materials and other artefacts very quickly
- how to evaluate GAI tools and systems
Although Digital Promise is concerned with K-12 education, their infographic (below) shows a framework and conceptual model identifying the essential components of AI literacy:
Ask questions about AI software tools and who is producing them:
- Are the uses to which you put GAI effective, ethical, and safe?
- Are you creating a learning experience for yourself or merely cutting corners?
- What is the purpose of your use of generative artificial intelligence? What do you wish to gain from it?
- Who owns the tool? A for-profit company? A non-profit?
- How reliable is it? Where does its content come from?
- Is the output objective or does it just seem to be objective? A critical eye is needed to determine objectivity.
- Is there bias? Often, we need to look carefully for bias as it can easily be hidden.
- Is the tool being used appropriate to the task?
Use the ROBOT TEST framework to test the Reliability, Objectivity, Bias, Ownership, and Type of AI technology that you wish to use.
Finally, think of GAI as an assistant who is not an expert, but who can perhaps help in a variety of ways that will enhance your learning.
