Abstract:
AI image-creation tools demand a comprehensive framework balancing analytical thinking and creativity. This approach addresses philosophical, ethical, and practical aspects of AI image generation, crucial for fostering AI literacy and competence in education. It emphasises a human-centred perspective, recognizing that AI tools are not neutral but shaped by their training data, algorithms, and social contexts. This understanding is fundamental to developing critical AI awareness and skills.
This presentation outlines a short course guiding HSC and first-year university students across disciplines in using generative AI tools for image creation. The course emphasises understanding these tools' capabilities, limitations, ethical considerations, and applications through platform-agnostic instruction.
Our approach integrates creative, practical image-based communication experiences, helping students express knowledge and tackle real-world challenges. The project-based learning structure engages students in investigating authentic problems, such as designing AI-generated awareness campaigns for climate change or creating inclusive visual narratives for diverse communities. These projects foster critical AI literacy and creative competence while addressing tangible societal issues.
To address diverse learning needs, the course employs a range of strategies. For confident users, we add a series of activities that require previous knowledge and more experience with the AI tools. Hesitant users benefit from scaffolded learning experiences, step-by-step tutorials, and additional support resources. This differentiated approach ensures that all students can progress at their own pace while developing essential skills.
Anticipated outcomes include improved student confidence in AI tool usage, enhanced critical thinking about AI's societal impacts, and successful application of AI-generated imagery in discipline-specific contexts. For instance, initial implementations have shown students demonstrating increased ability to articulate ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated images and applying AI tools effectively in their academic projects. Furthermore, the course encourages students’ critical analysis of what is behind the scenes, or the screen, when the tools are offered “for free”.
The course emphasises practical applications preparing students for professional challenges. Projects include creating AI-assisted visual narratives for scientific papers, developing AI-generated concept art for sustainable product design, and using AI tools to visualise complex social data. These tasks build technical proficiency while nurturing creative problem-solving and ethical decision-making skills crucial in AI-influenced industries.
By balancing creative possibilities with critical analysis through contextual, hands-on learning experiences, our approach ensures holistic development of AI literacy and competence. This prepares students to navigate the complex landscape of AI image generation tools, empowering them to become thoughtful creators and informed citizens in an increasingly AI-driven world.