What is “digital literacy”? That was the topic of my doctoral thesis, which argued for a plurality of literacies, contextually applied from eight “essential elements.” When submitting my thesis, I insisted on using the least restrictive license possible (CC0), as I wanted to encourage one of its central tenets: remix.

That’s why I’m delighted WAO is embarking on a collaboration with Dr Angela Gunder of Opened Culture and her work on the Dimensions of AI Literacies. Angela’s thoughtful remix and extension of my work:

“Rather than viewing literacy as a singular skill, the Dimensions of AI Literacies embrace a pluralistic perspective, recognizing that individuals can develop and apply a range of interconnected competencies. AI literacies encompass the skills needed to comprehend, utilize, and critically evaluate AI within complex environments. As educators, learners, and leaders engage with AI, they must navigate both the technical aspects of AI tools and the ethical, cultural, and social implications of their use. AI literacies enable individuals to make informed decisions, adapt AI tools to different contexts, and ensure that applications of AI in academic settings are ethical and inclusive.” (Opened Culture)

We have two upcoming (and free!) online events. The first is part of Open Education Week and the second forms part of (US) National AI Literacy Day. We warmly invite you to join us for either or both of these one-hour sessions, where we will be joined by special guests as we map out the contours of the AI Literacy landscape.

Logo for Reclaim TV

We’re delighted to be working with our friends at Reclaim TV for these events. Reclaim Hosting has long been a friend to Open Education, and we’re delighted to be using open technologies to stream out our sessions!

AI Literacies for Open Educators: An Exploration

Lu.ma event preview (7th March)

​Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming education, bringing both opportunities and challenges for open educators. This interactive workshop, hosted by Dr Doug Belshaw and Dr Angela Gunder, explores a plurality of “AI Literacies” for understanding and applying AI within open education.

​Drawing from the recently-published paper AI Literacies and the Advancement of Opened Culture: Global Perspectives and Practices, the session will provide a structured introduction to AI literacies. The hosts will then guide participants through a discussion around the ethical, technical, and pedagogical implications for open educators using generative AI.

​We’re delighted that Dr Genevieve Smith-Nunes as well as other guests to be announced shortly.

​Participants will be encouraged to add any relevant openly-licensed resources to an open access repository.

​Key takeaways for participants

  • ​A practical understanding of AI literacies as they apply to open education.
  • ​An approach to help co-create definitions and frameworks relating to AI literacies in specific contexts.
  • ​Access to an open repository of AI and open education resources.

Dimensions of AI Literacies: An Introduction

Lu.ma preview for 28th March

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming every facet of education, both for learners, educators, and leaders alike. In this time of great change, how can we equip our learners (and ourselves) with the skills necessary to navigate and influence the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence?

​Join Dr. Angela Gunder (Opened Culture) and Dr. Doug Belshaw (We Are Open) in this free, interactive workshop as they unveil the multifaceted and transformative world of “AI Literacies.”

​Recognizing that literacy is not merely an on/off switch of literacy vs. illiteracy, but a spectrum of interconnected and evolving skills, this online session will introduce educators of all levels and contexts to eight different dimensions of competencies, skills, and mindsets that comprise AI literacies.

​Pulling from findings from a commissioned research study by UNESCO IITE and Shanghai Open University, the virtual workshop will provide a foundational understanding of AI literacies, emphasizing their critical role in education today. Dr. Gunder and Dr. Belshaw will explore the critical, creative, and communicative dimensions of using generative AI in classrooms, guiding participants through the implications and opportunities it presents.

​This workshop is designed to engage educators at all levels, particularly those new to the concept of AI literacies, in developing strategies to help their students succeed in an AI-enabled world.

​Key takeaways for participants

  • ​Unpacking AI literacies as a dynamic set of skills vital for both educators and students.
  • ​Developing strategies to integrate and teach AI literacies across a wide variety of educational settings.
  • ​Gaining access to a new open course in D2L Brightspace highlighting the application of AI literacies.
  • ​Participating in an open community sharing and exploring how AI literacies manifest in educational practices worldwide.

​Embark on this journey to discover how AI can be harnessed to foster a future-ready generation.

Are you looking for some help with your own AI Literacy initiatives? Please check out AILiteracy.fyi and get in touch for more bespoke help in this area!