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Building AI Literacy in Adult Education: A Framework for Action
Posted on 08/07/2025
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword; it’s reshaping education in real time. New AI tools are emerging rapidly, and educators and students alike are finding innovative ways to use them. While some educators embrace these changes with curiosity and optimism, others approach them with understandable concern. Wherever you stand, one thing is clear: AI is here to stay.
As AI becomes more integrated into our classrooms, workplaces, and daily lives, the need for AI literacy, for both educators and students, grows stronger.
Digital Promise defines AI literacy as “the knowledge and skills that enable humans to critically understand, evaluate, and use AI systems and tools to safely and ethically participate in an increasingly digital world.” To support this goal, they have developed an AI Literacy Framework that outlines what it means to be AI literate and how this literacy can be cultivated across education systems.
While the framework was created with K–12 in mind, it offers valuable guidance for adult education as well, whether you're working in ESL, HSD/HSE, CTE, or another program. It can also help you reflect on and expand your own understanding of AI.
Image of AI Literacy Framework from Digital Promise
What’s in the Framework?
At its core, Digital Promise’s AI Literacy Framework includes three Modes of Engagement:
- Understand: Build foundational knowledge of how AI works.
- Evaluate: Critically consider the benefits and/or costs of AI.
- Use: Interact, create, and problem-solve with AI.
The expanded framework also includes:
- Core Values:
- Human Judgment
- Centering Justice
- Types of Use:
- Interact
- Create
- Problem Solve
- AI Literacy Practices:
- Algorithmic Thinking, Abstraction, and Decomposition
- Data Analysis and Inference
- Data Privacy and Security
- Digital Communication and Expression
- Ethics and Impact
- Information and Mis/Disinformation
Together, these components provide a comprehensive approach to helping learners (and educators!) think critically about AI and use it responsibly.
How Can Adult Educators Use This?
Digital Promise offers strategies for promoting AI literacy that can be adapted to adult education settings. Whether you're just starting to explore AI or already experimenting with tools like ChatGPT, the framework provides a foundation for thoughtful integration into instruction.
Explore the resources:
Want to Learn More?
OTAN is here to support you on your AI journey!
Here are some great next steps:
- 📅 Schedule a staff workshop on AI in adult education: support@otan.us
- 🎥 Watch recorded presentations on AI tools and trends: Video Presentations on AI
- 🌐 Try out AI tools in your classroom with our curated Web-Based Class Activities
Let’s ensure our learners (and we ourselves) are ready to navigate the digital world with confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking.
