USask AI Literacy Framework Provides Help Navigating GenAI for Teaching and Learning

In an effort to support all members of the USask community in navigating a world with generative AI (GenAI), the University of Saskatchewan has crafted an AI Literacy Framework.

This framework provides guidance, considerations, and examples specifically to help students, faculty, and staff responsibly engage with AI, whether that's at USask or beyond, using AI or encountering its outputs. You can find the AI Literacy Framework documents linked on the Artificial Intelligence at USask website and also below.

 

In each of the three versions of the Framework, there are five dimensions in which individuals should become competent. While knowing how to prompt AI well is important, you can see in the brief explanation of the dimensions below that it's just one part. These dimensions show the importance of being able to evaluate the output of GenAI, recognize and weigh the environmental impact of GenAI, and understand and act accordingly to the influence GenAI has on human interactions and well-being.

• Dimension 1: Understanding AI and Data - How does AI work?
• Dimension 2: Critical Thinking and Judgement - How do I evaluate AI output?
• Dimension 3: Ethical and Responsible AI Use - How do I ensure AI is used ethically and responsibly?
• Dimension 4: Human-centricity, Relationality, and Creativity - How do I ensure that humans remain at the core?
• Dimension 5: Domain Expertise - How do I apply AI in a specific context?

Included in the Framework documentation for students, faculty, and staff, are detailed descriptions of each Dimension and what each looks like, as individuals progress toward mastery.

For example, in the summary of the Framework and competency levels for Students working toward mastery of Dimension 2: Critical Thinking and Judgement, you will see:

• Level 1 - Understand the importance of verifying AI-driven insights. Recognize when AI-generated content may oversimplify or misrepresent concepts.
• Level 2 - Understand and apply evaluation criteria for AI-generated content, such as accuracy, explainability, bias, and source reliability.
• Level 3 - Critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of different AI models and their output in various contexts.

The Framework document contains examples of these levels in greater detail.

To assist students, faculty, and staff to make progress toward competency in the five dimensions of the AI Literacy Framework, the University has launched the AI Literacy Tutorial. It's an introduction to GenAI, the general uses of this technology, prompts and outputs, ethical concerns, appropriate tasks, and GenAI terminology.

The outcomes of the tutorial are:

1. Define key GenAI terms and concepts, including how GenAI differs from other types of AI.
2. Identify appropriate AI tools for specific tasks and understand their unique functions.
3. Apply effective prompting strategies to improve GenAI outputs and recognize how prompts differ from internet searches.
4. Evaluate the accuracy and bias of GenAI outputs by questioning data sources and training limitations.
5. Describe ethical, moral, and security concerns related to GenAI, including issues of misuse, bias, and harm.
6. Apply USask’s AI Principles and data privacy classifications to common GenAI use scenarios.
7. Document and attribute AI use transparently using appropriate citation practices.
8. Explain the importance of AI literacy for responsible use in academic, personal, and professional contexts.

All members of the USask community can enroll in the AI Literacy Tutorial. It is a free, online, interactive, and self-paced course. Download this information page to save or share.

There are two versions of the tutorial to support your individual needs. 

AI Literacy Tutorial (All Content Version): This full version of the tutorial includes five foundational modules that allows you to build essential GenAI skills. It includes all content and quizzes, walking you through each section step by step, regardless of your prior knowledge. You can complete the end evaluation for a certificate. Estimated time to complete: 1-2.5 hours

AI Literacy Tutorial (Course Challenge Version): Gives you pre-tests and only provides you the content you need. This version of the tutorial is set up using mastery paths, which provides a personalized learning experience based on the existing knowledge about GenAI you have, while ensuring foundational concepts are understood before moving forward. You can complete the end evaluation for a certificate. Estimated time to complete: 1-2.5 hours

For more information, see Artificial Intelligence at USask for the USask AI Principles and Guidelines, AI Literacy Framework documents, and a collection of resources to support you. 

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This resource is shared by the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning (GMCTL), University of Saskatchewan, under a CC BY-NC-SA license.