On March 28, 30 students and faculty from across the university gathered for Vanderbilt’s first ever National AI Literacy Day celebration, sponsored by and featuring members of LIVE, to discuss the meaning of “AI literacy” and explore how to teach it across disciplines. The event launched with an engaging introduction to different visions about what “AI literacy” means–and why it matters–from Sarah Burriss, a Postdoctoral Researcher with the EngageAI Institute.

A panel of scholars from across Peabody and Computer Science then discussed and compared what AI literacy looks like in different disciplines, including computer science, teacher preparation, writing, and the learning sciences. Moderated by Emily Pendergrass (Associate Professor of the Practice, Literacy, Reading Education), panelists Golnaz Arastoopour Irgens (Assistant Professor in Human-Centered Learning Technologies, Teaching and Learning), Vishesh Kumar (Assistant Professor, Teaching and Learning), Yu Huang (Assistant Professor of Computer Science), and Melanie Hundley (Professor of the Practice of Language and Literacy Education) shared insights from their own research and practice, spanning K-12 to higher education contexts. Participants then discussed AI literacy in their own work, and collaboratively designed posters depicting what AI literacy means for them. These posters are now getting finalized for publication to print and share these around campus and with K-12 teachers for use in classrooms. Stay tuned for the final versions of those, coming soon!

With this event, Vanderbilt joins a growing number of organizations hosting events for this national movement, now in its second year. National organizers (the EDSAFE AI Alliance, aiEDU, Common Sense Media, and The Tech Interactive), describe National AI Literacy Day (https://www.ailiteracyday.org/)  as an event that “invites students, parents, educators, and communities across the country to engage with AI education through classroom activities, after-school programs, and professional development opportunities. With both local and national events, National AI Literacy Day aims to foster a deeper understanding of AI and its impact on society.”

We hope you’ll join us next year! If you are interested in joining the planning team for next year’s event please reach out to live@vanderbilt.edu.