What? (Descriptive)
I was invited to participate in a panel discussion hosted by ALIA National to discuss the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Libraries and Information Literacy. The recording and blog post are available here. It was a free lunchtime panel discussion, and over 850 individuals enrolled to participate. I was one of three speakers who shared their views on AI, libraries and information literacy.
So what? (Reflective)
As generative AI has an increasing impact upon learning and teaching, it is important to engage with the topic and to consider the ways in which we need to design learning opportunities that reflect the capabilities of this technology. Through my participation I enhanced my personal knowledge in the area of AI and became aware of different perspectives from those sharing the panel. I also learned about the concerns of those working in the library and information industry through the synchronous chat, and this will inform the ways in which I design future learning in the subjects I teach.
The panel will influence the teaching of others by raising the various opportunities and threats this technology creates for libraries, as well as the impacts it will have on pedagogy and assessment. Improving my own knowledge in this area will have a positive flow on effect for students as future content and assessment design will reflect an awareness of the role these tools might play and how they might be used by students and teachers.
Now what? (Implementation)
As a result of engaging in this scholarship activity, I have already discussed with my colleagues the impacts this technology will have on the design of our assessments and also on the content we teach students. Along with my colleagues Lizzy Tait and Travis Holland I will be leading a whole school discussion to consider this and to inform the design of our subjects. The topic of AI is very relevant in the library and information discipline, not only in terms of its impact on teaching and learning but also in terms of how it will change the profession and professional practice, and so it is important that these tools are investigated through a disciplinary lens.
Design of subjects to incorporate and acknowledge the capabilities of these technologies is nascent however ongoing evaluation through feedback gathered from students and colleagues as well as alignment with University expectations will be an important part of the process.