AI Literacy for Learning

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

As synthetic media and Large Language Models (LLMs) reshape the global landscape, the ability to communicate effectively with AI has become a foundational literacy for the 21st-century student. This course merges the technical "how-to" of prompt architecture with the transformative "why" of the learning sciences. Moving beyond basic chat interactions, students will dismantle the "black box" of AI to understand how these systems function and where they fail. Through a blend of direct instruction and hands-on experimentation, students will evolve into professional-grade AI practitioners. You will design complex prompt architectures that transform Generative AI into a sophisticated research partner, a personalized tutor, and a creative collaborator. Central to this course is the "human-in-the-loop" philosophy—ensuring that technology serves as an equitable tool for empowerment rather than a replacement for critical thought. Students will explore the intersection of computer and learning sciences to address real-world challenges, from mitigating algorithmic bias and data privacy risks to designing personalized learning paths that bypass "one-size-fits-all" educational barriers. Whether you are a future educator, a social scientist, or an ed-tech visionary, this course provides the agency to navigate a world reshaped by AI with integrity, accuracy, and vision. No prior programming experience is required.