Episode Notes

With artificial intelligence evolving at such a rapid pace, it can feel intimidating to try and keep up. But whether you're a teacher, a parent, a student, or an employee in nearly any field, understanding what AI is and how it is present in our lives is critical. 

According to Associate Professor Natasha Heny, the rise of AI brings with it a need for each of us to think critically about how, when and where generative AI might be used responsibly—what she calls practicing AI literacy.

In addition to teaching future middle and high school English teachers in our department of curriculum, instruction, and special education, Natasha serves as a University of Virginia AI guide. In that role, she works with faculty and students to explore the ethical and instructional implications of AI in education. 

“We want to design learning environments that can keep human curiosity, voice and connection at the center. And I don't think that AI is excluded from that.”

In this episode, Heny helps answer some basic questions about what artificial intelligence literacy means. She offers insights into some of the fears and misconceptions about AI and shares practical ways we can begin developing our own AI literacy.

EdLab is a production of the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development and WTJU 91.1 FM. EdLab is produced and hosted by Audrey Breen. Our music is Palms Down by Blue Dot Sessions. You can subscribe to EdLab wherever you get your favorite podcasts.