New student-focused centre promotes literacy skills in generative AI

Artificial intelligence has been around in many forms for a long time, but as soon as generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT arrived on the scene, it was clear that the impact on teaching and learning would be profound. 

A new centre at UCalgary is leveraging the creative potential of generative AI while expanding student knowledge about the ethical use of these tools. Programming in the Centre for AI Ethics, Literacy and Integrity (CAIELI) aligns with the library’s role in promoting digital literacy on campus. 

Located in the Doucette Library for Teaching Resources in the Education Block, the centre is a collaboration between Libraries and Cultural Resources (LCR) and the Werklund School of Education.

“We’re building supports for students to develop critical digital and information literacy skills while taking a transdisciplinary approach and providing students from all disciplines with opportunities to learn from each other,” explains Leeanne Morrow, associate university librarian (student learning and engagement) with LCR, which is leading the AI programming.

“We’re focused on three key concepts: learning with integrity, creating with confidence, and transforming together.”

The centre aims to expand knowledge and confidence to make choices when creating with AI and help students understand how these tools function. 

“CAIELI will be a leading-edge space for cultivating AI literacy. Given the proliferation of AI-powered tools capable of generating text, video, images, and various media forms, this space will provide a collaborative environment for students to learn how to use AI tools in meaningful, responsible, and innovative ways,” says Dr. Barbara Brown, PhD, associate professor of learning sciences and associate dean of teaching and learning at the Werklund School of Education. 

Student outreach is at the core of this initiative, which will address questions about generative AI. The centre can also connect faculty with librarians who can visit classes to assist students with their understanding of AI use.

While the physical space is being remodelled, initial programming will take place over the spring and summer with a grand opening planned for September. Workshops begin May 7 on topics such as AI in academic publishing, generating images with AI, and using AI to create effective prompts. Registration is available on the centre’s home page.