From Research to Practice: Developing AI Literacy for First-Year Writing
Start Date
7-8-2026 10:30 AM
End Date
7-8-2026 10:45 AM
Location
ALT 207
Abstract
As generative artificial intelligence becomes increasingly present in higher education, writing programs must help students develop the knowledge and judgment needed to use AI critically, responsibly, and effectively. This summer research project supported the development of AI literacy instruction at Xavier, with particular attention to first-year writing and the Writing Program’s commitment to linguistic inclusivity and human-first process-based writing pedagogy. Secondary research focused on AI in education and writing instruction, including scholarship on race, gender, linguistic diversity, bias, authorship, transparency, and ethical decision-making. This research directly informed the development of Xavier’s Road to Xavier Introduction to AI Literacy training, an online Canvas course developed for incoming students, but which will also be available to all students across the university and accessible to faculty. This research also formed the basis of an AI literacy pilot in selected first-year writing courses in Fall 2026, before implementation across all sections in Spring 2027. With continued Wheeler Grant support, the next phase of this project will examine feedback from participating students and instructors, revise instructional materials, and contribute to an article about the pilot program. This project demonstrates the value of combining interdisciplinary research, writing pedagogy, and student perspectives when designing institution-wide AI literacy initiatives.
From Research to Practice: Developing AI Literacy for First-Year Writing
ALT 207
As generative artificial intelligence becomes increasingly present in higher education, writing programs must help students develop the knowledge and judgment needed to use AI critically, responsibly, and effectively. This summer research project supported the development of AI literacy instruction at Xavier, with particular attention to first-year writing and the Writing Program’s commitment to linguistic inclusivity and human-first process-based writing pedagogy. Secondary research focused on AI in education and writing instruction, including scholarship on race, gender, linguistic diversity, bias, authorship, transparency, and ethical decision-making. This research directly informed the development of Xavier’s Road to Xavier Introduction to AI Literacy training, an online Canvas course developed for incoming students, but which will also be available to all students across the university and accessible to faculty. This research also formed the basis of an AI literacy pilot in selected first-year writing courses in Fall 2026, before implementation across all sections in Spring 2027. With continued Wheeler Grant support, the next phase of this project will examine feedback from participating students and instructors, revise instructional materials, and contribute to an article about the pilot program. This project demonstrates the value of combining interdisciplinary research, writing pedagogy, and student perspectives when designing institution-wide AI literacy initiatives.
