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Our Approach to Generative AI

AI Literacy Framework

ATLIS believes that AI literacy is important for effectively engaging with AI. Along with our colleagues at the CEP, we worked to create a framework for AI literacy, which was published in Educause Review. The framework is designed to help build a shared understanding of AI across Barnard. It provides a four-level structure for learning AI, explanations of key AI concepts and questions to consider when using AI.

a pyramid divided into four horizontal sections, each representing a different level of AI literacy. From bottom to top, the sections are labeled as follows: Understand AI (dark blue) Use & Apply AI (purple) Analyze & Evaluate AI (teal) Create AI (light blue) Each section is numbered from 1 to 4 with corresponding circular icons.

You can use the framework to: 

  • Determine your own level of AI literacy
  • Learn the basics of how AI works
  • Facilitate class discussions about AI
  • Decide how you want to engage with AI

Conversations at Barnard and Beyond

Generative AI has become a hot topic and a subject of constant chatter in the higher education space. The ATLIS team has been at the forefront of these conversations, sharing expertise in AI literacy, AI as a multimedia technology, and the role of AI in higher education.

  • Speaking Engagements:
    • Melanie Hibbert was an invited keynote speaker at Access 2024 at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, where she presented: "Engaging the Past with Emerging Technologies: Case studies of AR, 3D Scanning, and Generative AI."
    • Elana Altman spoke at the 2024 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX, as part of the panel "AI Ethics and Literacy: Insights and Resources from the EDUCAUSE-HP Community of Practice."
    • Melanie Hibbert, Elana Altman, and Tristan Shippen were invited to the Future Trends Forum to discuss Barnard's AI Literacy Framework. A recording of the event can be viewed below:
    • Elana Altman and Tristan Shippen will be presenting a poster entitled "From Ideation to Impact: A Roadmap to Encourage Generative AI Experimentation" at the 2025 EDUCAUSE Annual Conference in Nashville, TN.
  • Community of Practice Participation and Professional Development:
    • Melanie Hibbert and Elana Altman were part of 2023-2024 EDUCAUSE AI Community of Practice, a monthly meeting of instructional technology leaders at colleges and universities throughout the country.
    • Melanie Hibbert and Elana Altman will be participating in the American Association of Colleges and Universities' 2025–26 Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum, alongside colleagues in the CEP and Provost's Office

Please see our Using Generative AI at Barnard page for additional information about tools and services available; our Studios and Programming page highlights in-person opportunities to get involved in AI usage at Barnard.