Preparing Students for a GenAI future: The library’s role in enhancing students’ digital literacy skills.

As the integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and advanced technologies becomes increasingly prevalent in higher education, it is crucial to prepare students to effectively navigate and harness these tools for their academic and future professional endeavours. In 2024, ECU embarked on a pilot curriculum transformation project in response to TEQSA’s request for information on what plans higher education providers are making to address the risk generative AI poses to academic integrity. As part of this pilot project, the Library at ECU was responsible for updating our digital literacy framework to incorporate AI literacy and consider the impact GenAI would have on the digital literacy skills needed by students. The updated digital literacy framework outlines the skills needed for students and staff to become proficient in new digital technologies that are used in curriculum and assessments, provides practical examples for academics to use in curriculum development and supports staff to teach students about the ethical use of digital technologies.  

As well as an updated digital literacy framework, the Library developed a number of practical resources and services to help prepare students for the digital demands of their studies, teach them how to ethically engage with digital information and equip students to live, learn and work in a digital society. These resources and services included a library guide on GenAI, a workshop on Co-pilot, ChatGPT and GenAI and Co-pilot training for our Library peer assistant (student workforce) to help them be better equipped to support other students as well as fostering a culture of experimentation for librarians with GenAI tools. Feedback suggests that students’ improved confidence and competence in using GenAI tools have increased their willingness to incorporate GenAI into their academic studies and enhanced their self-assurance in leveraging GenAI for academic success. This lightning talk will showcase how ECU Library has taken the initiative to help students on their GenAI journey enhancing students' technological proficiency and contributing to their overall academic success.