Artificial Intelligence (AI) has now become ubiquitous in our daily lives. In education, healthcare and many other sectors, we see an increasing reliance on AI tools. But this technology does not come without challenges. To use AI effectively, a deep understanding of the ways AI affects learning and working is essential. The 8 dimensions of AI literacy as formulated by Angela Gunder et al. offer a framework to address this challenge. In this blog, I explore these dimensions and share my views on how we can use them to strengthen both individuals and organisations.
1. Cultural AI literacy
AI can be a powerful tool to reinforce sociocultural norms, provided it is used consciously. For example, if teachers and tutors explicitly integrate questions about social and cultural values into assignments in which AI is used, we can clarify the role of AI in this. Awareness is key: users need to understand what AI can do, how it affects learning, and what risks there are. Only then can we use AI in a way that both improves learning outcomes and respects sociocultural context.
2. Cognitive AI literacy
To use AI effectively, hands-on experience is indispensable. A workshop series of at least 10 'active flight hours', in which participants carry out concrete doing tasks such as writing essays, designing tasks, or AI-proofing testing, helps to fully understand AI. At the same time, balance is crucial: AI should only be used when users have mastered both the subject matter and the technology itself. Without this knowledge, AI use leads to negative learning effects.
3. Constructive AI literacy
AI-generated content can be a valuable addition, as long as it remains a 'human-machine-human' process. Humans must provide input, use AI as a tool, and ultimately assess the output themselves. This process can significantly increase the quality of educational content, provided it uses science-based learning theories. However, lack of this context can result in even more poor educational products.
4. Communicative AI literacy
AI has the potential to become an extension of teachers and trainers. By using educational agents, skills such as communication or socratic interaction can be practised. This increases learning efficiency and gives teachers more time for personal attention. At the same time, it is essential to keep monitoring communication style and tone of voice, as these are at the heart of quality learning activities.
5. Confident AI literacy
Self-confidence in AI use comes from learning by doing. My own experience as an a-technical person shows that anyone can learn to use AI, as long as they are willing to practise and reflect. Intervisions and sharing learning experiences are effective ways to boost this self-confidence. Mistakes here are not failures, but valuable opportunities to grow.
6. Creative AI literacy
AI is a tool that not only makes traditional processes more efficient, but also creates entirely new opportunities. Interactive agents that can be used to practise skills or test diagnostic knowledge are just a few examples of how AI can reduce inequality of opportunity and enrich the work of teachers and trainers.
7. Critical AI literacy
As with other technologies, such as nuclear power or aviation, we need to have rules governing the use of AI. The importance of awareness around biases, tunnel vision and fact-checking is further enhanced by AI, which is in fact a mirror of humanity: we taught it what we taught ourselves, including our human flaws. By explicitly integrating questions of ethics and safety into our AI use, we ensure responsible application.
8. Social AI literacy
AI has the potential to be a universal teacher making knowledge and skills accessible worldwide, even in places that lack traditional forms of education. At the same time, AI literacy is essential to avoid risks. Without understanding AI, users can easily become victims of undesirable practices. Reducing the digital divide is therefore not only a matter of access, but also of awareness and education.
Getting started
The eight dimensions of AI literacy provide a useful starting point for using AI responsibly and effectively. By consciously working on cultural sensitivity, practical skills, and critical reflection, we can use AI not only as a technological tool, but also as a means of promoting learning, inclusivity, and equity. The future of AI lies not in the technology itself, but in how we understand and use it.
