ResearchGuides: AI Literacy: Home

This research guide serves as a starting point for exploring the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs). As you navigate this guide, keep in mind that AI is a dynamic field with new tools and applications emerging constantly. While this research guide offers a solid foundation, it's important to supplement it with current research and developments.

For Students: While considering AI use in your academic work, always prioritize your instructor's guidelines. Your instructors are best positioned to guide you on the appropriate use of AI tools within the context of your specific courses and assignments. Visit the Guidance for Students tab to learn more.

For Faculty: As you develop course policies on AI, consider how these tools might impact your teaching objectives and assessment. Clear communication with students about AI use in your classes is crucial. Visit the Guidance for Faculty tab to learn more.

Banner image created on Canva.com

What Is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems designed to simulate human intelligence and perform tasks that typically require human cognitive abilities. These systems use complex algorithms and vast amounts of data to learn, reason, and make decisions. In many ways, AI has become an integral part of daily life, often operating behind the scenes in various applications and services.

Here are some common ways we encounter AI in our everyday lives:

Virtual assistants (e.g., Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa);
Personalized content recommendations on streaming platforms (Netflix, YouTube, Spotify);
Social media algorithms that curate news feeds and suggest connections;
Predictive text and autocorrect features on smartphones;
Navigation apps that provide real-time traffic updates and route optimization;
Language translation tools;
Spam filters in email services;
Face recognition for device unlocking and photo organization;
Voice-to-text transcription services;
Adaptive learning platforms that personalize educational content.

Attribution:

Artificial intelligence. (2018). In P. Lagasse & Columbia University, The Columbia Encyclopedia (8th ed.). Columbia University Press. https://search.credoreference.com/articles/Qm9va0FydGljbGU6NjM5MDI3?aid=240881
University of California, San Diego Library
Image created on Canva.com

What Is AI Literacy?

AI Literacy refers to the understanding and ability to critically engage with artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. It involves not only knowing how AI works and the basic principles behind it but also recognizing its applications, limitations, and ethical implications. AI literacy equips students with the skills to interact responsibly with AI tools, assess their outputs, and understand the potential biases and impacts these technologies can have on society. In an increasingly AI-driven world, AI literacy is essential for making informed decisions, whether in personal, professional, or academic contexts.

In summation, AI literacy is the ability to:

critically evaluate AI technologies;
communicate and collaborate effectively with AI;
use AI as a tool, online, at home, and in the workplace.

Attribution:

University of Arizona Libraries, © [2024] The Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of The University of Arizona, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
From a 2020 paper, by Long and Magerko, who synthesized a variety of interdisciplinary literature into a set of core competencies.

Generative Artificial Intelligence

Generative artificial intelligence is a category of web-based tools that use algorithms, data, and statistical models to draw reasonable inferences to create content of its own (e,g., text, images, etc.). They are not search engines but rather trained chatbots. Using a prompt, a chatbot strives to fill in the next missing content piece, "what one might expect" (Wolfram).

These tools use large language models to provide bots with the data they need to reply to a prompt you have given it appropriately. For example, when ChatGPT writes a response to a prompt, it provides text based on what words came before and what is the most likely next word. Because AI uses natural language and computes so quickly, it can often seem like the chatbot is, in fact, intelligent.

The field of AI is changing at a rapid pace. We know that these generative tools help users synthesize information and create content (code, essays, art, music, etc.). However, these tools can also "hallucinate", or make up facts or sources and create biased content. This will be discussed further in Ethical Considerations.

Attribution:

Copied from UC San Diego Research Guide, which referenced the source below.
What Is ChatGPT Doing … and Why Does It Work?
A more comprehensive explanation of Generative AI from Stephen Wolfram

Generative AI Tools

This list covers a range of applications, from text generation to image creation and video editing, reflecting the diverse ways students and faculty might use these tools.

ChatGPT (OpenAI)