Introduction: Why AI Literacy Matters for Our Mission

When we talk about AI literacy, the conversation too often begins and ends with technical skills—like writing prompts or understanding how to operate the latest tool. While these skills have value, they only scratch the surface.

For CCLAC’s ongoing pilot projects, AI literacy must be a critical and cultural practice—an approach that goes deeper than technical know-how, empowering participants to think critically, act ethically, and make discerning choices about how (and when) technology should be used.

This mindset directly supports CCLAC’s mission: building informed, engaged, and values-driven citizens who can shape the future of their communities.

Learning AI isn't optional anymore. We need to learn how to optimize our use. We need to prepare communities, students, and families not just how to keep up with technology, but to lead with it.

Digital literacy is the new reading and writing. It is important to engage with AI thoughtfully, creatively and safely. We already use AI when we use Siri, watch a show that Netflix recommends, or use a chatbot to get help online. 

There's a lot of concern about the potential job loss with AI, but the truth is more nuanced. AI is transforming work, not replacing it. But transforming it is and at a rapid pace. The people who will thrive in this new era will know how to use AI; how to prompt, question and work alongside it.

Knowing how to use AI tools builds skills in critical thinking, communication, and digital collaboration.

Of course it isn't all upside. It can also spread misinformation, reinforce bias or trick people into sharing their personal data. That's why AI education must include cyber-security; the ability to tell what's real what's generated, and how to stay secure online. Teaching digital wisdom is as important as teaching digital skills.

When a student helps a grandparent understand a new AI-powered app, or a parent uses AI to help their child with homework, a multi-generational learning community is born - one that values curiosity, collaboration, and mutual respect. And when users know how to stay safe, they don't just adapt to the digital world, they shape it.

further reading:

OECD, Holmes et al. (2019) educational case studies on critical thinking skills involved with prompt crafting, evaluating outputs, questioning AI generated content

MIT RAISE, British Journal of Educational Technology; case studies on communication skills involved with prompt writing, receiving feedback, refining language/tone

WEF, Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, studies of digital collaboration skills such as Group use of AI tools, co-creation, peer review in tech environments