Kavya Raval, a computer science student, is exploring Java programming this semester. To enhance her learning experience, she utilizes an AI chatbot for assistance with complex concepts, practice problems, and feedback on her answers. The 18-year-old describes the AI chatbot as a constant tutor that helps her instantly clear doubts.
Despite her enthusiasm for AI tools, Raval, a first-year student at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), acknowledges the importance of using them responsibly. She recently completed workshops offered by TMU’s library services to earn an AI badge, which emphasized the significance of balanced and careful utilization of artificial intelligence technologies.
Coming from a background of “really traditional” schools in India that prohibited electronic devices, Raval was initially cautious about AI. However, after moving to Canada, she appreciates the workshops for educating her on the responsible application of AI in various fields.
Raval emphasized, “AI is becoming ubiquitous in all sectors, making it crucial for us to grasp its appropriate usage.”
Librarians in schools and higher education institutions play a vital role in assisting students with research, media literacy, copyright issues, and new technologies. They are well-suited to educate students about the benefits and challenges of AI and promote ethical usage to enhance learning outcomes without compromising academic integrity.
However, the education sector risks overlooking the valuable expertise of librarians, depriving students from kindergarten to post-secondary of essential AI literacy skills.
Steven Guirguis, an MBA student at TMU who also works in health care at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, found the library-led AI sessions to be a welcoming environment for learning. These sessions provided him with the opportunity to ask questions, reflect deeply on discussed concepts, and engage as a voluntary learner without the pressure of mandatory participation.
Guirguis expressed, “Voluntary learning fosters genuine engagement, allowing individuals to absorb information and reflect on it more effectively.”
While instructors cover generative AI in academic courses, the library workshops at TMU offer an additional platform for students and faculty to explore AI concepts in a flexible and in-depth manner. Reece Steinberg, the head of TMU’s library learning services, highlighted the workshops as an extra opportunity for students to engage with AI beyond traditional academic requirements.
Steinberg mentioned, “Our approach encourages students to consider AI applications independently, separate from graded assignments, fostering critical thinking and practical utilization.”
‘Simply another tool’
Librarians, renowned for their expertise in information retrieval and
