Generative AI, communication, and stereotypes: Learning critical AI literacy through experience, analysis, and reflection

This assignment is integrated into the generative AI unit of the Emerging Communication Technologies course. It includes step-by-step designs and reflective examples from students, highlighting the evolution of their perceptions of generative AI. The assignment uniquely focuses on understanding and raising awareness of stereotypes present in AI-generated images. Through experiential, analytical, and reflective learning, students build confidence and competence in interacting with various AI tools, acquire skills in AI-human communication and prompting, and develop critical thinking abilities to identify and mitigate stereotypes generated by AI.CoursesEmerging Communication Technologies; Human-Computer Interaction; Communication and Technology; New Media; Digital Humanity; Digital Literacy; Media Literacy.ObjectivesThrough these activities, students will (1) reduce fear or discomfort about interacting with generative AI, (2) familiarize themselves with popular generative AI tools, (3) understand characteristics of human-AI interaction, (4) recognize AI fallibility in producing stereotypes, and (5) think critically about identifying and preventing AI-generated stereotypes.