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Learning with Technology Toolkit: Being AI Literate

What does it mean to be AI literate?

By now, you've likely heard the terms Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), Large Language Model (LLM), and Machine Learning. You may have tried ChatGPT early on and were impressed by its ability to interpret human language. This capability might have led you to consider using it as a learning tool to generate ideas for a paper, enhance your writing skills or solve a math problem. If so, what ethical implications did you quickly become aware of? How might these ethical implications impact your use of GenAI for learning?

UNESCO's AI competency framework for students focuses on the ethical use of AI in education, emphasizing critical thinking and the development of a human-centred mindset when engaging with AI. The framework aims to enhance AI literacy by equipping students with the values, knowledge, and skills necessary to use AI technologies safely and responsibly while understanding the ethical challenges it represents in learning environments.

Microsoft Copilot is the campus approved GenAI tool. Before you adopt a GenAI tool like ChatGPT or Copilot to support your learning, take the time to complete this AI awareness inventory. It will help you assess your understanding of AI, particularly GenAI's capabilities and limitations and the ethical considerations surrounding its use in an academic setting.

GenAI Skills and Knowledge Check

Disclaimer: Before engaging with GenAI tools, ensure that you have permission from your instructor to use AI and that you have completed the AI Knowledge Check above. Except for Microsoft Copilot, which is campus approved, this toolkit does not endorse any specific GenAI tools or guarantee their suitability for your academic needs. Always use GenAI responsibly and in alignment with university policies.

How AI Literate are you?

How did you do on the AI Knowledge Check above? What did your responses reveal about your current understanding of GenAI technologies? Do you feel more confident about engaging safely and responsibly with AI?

As you explore the resources in this guide, keep these AI learning goals in mind:

  1. Adopt a human-centred mindset: Learn to think critically about how AI affects society, balancing its benefits against its risks, such as perpetuating the biases in its training data, disregarding privacy, and its environmental impact.
  2. Consider AI ethics: Develop your ability to identify and address ethical challenges in AI. Focus on key aspects like transparency, fairness, and accountability for AI outputs.
  3. Use AI responsibly: Learn to recognize the risks of misusing AI, such as plagiarism and over-reliance. Cite AI-generated content accurately, and respect intellectual property by adhering to copyright and licensing agreements.
Key areas to focus on when developing your GenAI literacy skills
Understand what GenAI is and how it works
  • Learn the basics of how GenAI creates content like text, images, or code by analyzing patterns in large datasets.
  • Recognize the differences between AI and other digital tools to understand when and why to use GenAI.
Use GenAI ethically and uphold academic integrity
  • Understand the importance of citing AI-generated content when used in academic work.
  • Recognize the risks of misusing GenAI, such as plagiarism or relying on AI to complete assignments.
  • Respect intellectual property by verifying the licensing and copyright status of AI-generated outputs.
Critically evaluate AI-generated outputs
  • Practice assessing the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated content by cross-referencing with credible sources.
  • Be aware of AI hallucinations—instances when GenAI produces information that appears accurate but is incorrect or fabricated.
Recognize the limitations of GenAI
  • Understand that GenAI may be trained on outdated or biased data, which can affect the quality of its outputs.
  • Acknowledge that GenAI cannot provide real-time information or human judgment.
Interact with AI responsibly
  • Use GenAI as a tool to enhance your learning, such as brainstorming ideas or clarifying concepts, rather than replacing your own work.
  • Balance AI usage with critical thinking and skill-building to ensure long-term academic and personal growth.
Consider the broader societal implications of AI
  • Reflect on how GenAI affects society, including issues of privacy, bias, and environmental impact.
  • Consider the ethical responsibilities of developers and users in shaping AI’s role in the future.
 Essential Tools | Content Creation Tools | Searching Tools | Referencing Tools
 Collaboration Tools | Self-Assessment Tools | Assistive Technologies
Remember Your Task


Adopt technologies that help you meet your learning goals and needs

Apply technologies in ways that extend your choice and control

Assess & Adapt technologies for effectiveness in your academic and professional career
What is AI Literacy?

AI 101 - What is AI Literacy? by Adobe for Education

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