How can we use AI thoughtfully, effectively, and ethically in higher education? 

Join this interactive workshop designed to build critical AI literacy and explore practical strategies for engaging with artificial intelligence in higher education. As AI tools increasingly shape how we search for information, conduct research, create content, teach, learn, and make decisions, developing thoughtful and ethical approaches to their use is essential.  

This session takes a practical, non-technical approach to AI literacy grounded in real-world decision-making. Participants will explore how AI works, its limitations, when it can be useful, and where caution is needed. Through guided activities and discussion, we'll examine key issues including bias, misinformation and disinformation, privacy and data use, environmental impact, and source verification.  

Participants will also be introduced to the SKEPTICS framework, a practical tool for assessing how AI influences thinking, learning, and professional practice. Together, we'll apply the framework to a variety of higher education contexts and identify ways it can support critical engagement with AI in teaching, learning, research, student support, and workplace settings.  

By the end of the session, participants will have a foundational understanding of AI, a practical framework for evaluating its impact, and strategies for supporting thoughtful, ethical, and informed engagement with AI in their work. 

After taking this workshop, participants will be able to:  

• Explain what AI is (and is not) and where it can be useful in higher education and professional contexts.  

• Critically evaluate AI-generated content for accuracy, bias, and misinformation.  

• Identify key ethical considerations related to AI use, including privacy, data use, and environmental impact.  

• Apply the SKEPTICS framework to assess AI's impact on learning, decision-making, and professional practice. 

Instructor

Samantha Harmon