AI Literacy for the WashU Scholar Canvas Module
A shared foundation for generative AI at WashU
The AI Literacy for the WashU Scholar Canvas module is a short, 30-minute learning module designed to give undergraduate students a shared foundation for understanding, critically evaluating, and using generative AI responsibly in academic and professional contexts.
The module includes two lessons:
- Introduction to generative artificial intelligence
- Responsible use of generative AI
Developed by the WashU Center for Teaching and Learning and the Digital Intelligence & Innovation (DI2) Accelerator, with contributions from faculty in the McKelvey School of Engineering, Arts & Sciences, and WashU Medicine, the module reflects WashU’s commitment to preparing students to engage thoughtfully with emerging digital tools in their chosen field.
The module is not about mastering a single AI tool or optimizing prompts. Instead, it focuses on building critical awareness, sound judgment, and responsible habits for using generative AI.
Through guided examples using WashU-supported AI tools, students will build the judgment to decide when AI can be helpful, when it may be inappropriate, and when human effort is essential to the learning processes.
For Students
How to Self-Enroll
All Danforth campus undergraduate students can self-enroll in the AI Literacy canvas module by following this link.
The module is a great starting point if you’re curious about AI, unsure where it fits into your coursework, or want to build confidence using AI tools responsibly during your time at WashU and beyond.
For Faculty
Faculty can assign the AI Literacy for the WashU Scholar module in their Canvas courses to ensure all students share a common understanding of generative AI expectations, capabilities, and responsibilities.
Faculty are also welcome to enroll in the module themselves to review the material and develop a shared understanding of generative AI.
Assigning the Canvas Module in Your Course
Follow these steps to assign the AI Literacy module in Canvas:
- Login to Canvas.
- In the left-hand navigation menu, select Commons.
- In Commons, search for AI Literacy for the WashU Scholar and open the assignment, or follow this link.
- Click Import/Download.
- Select the course(s) you would like to add the assignment to, then click Import to Course.
- The assignment will appear in your course under Assignments → Imported Assignments.
After the assignment is imported, faculty may add the assignment to a course module and edit the assignment for appropriate points, due dates, etc.
More AI Literacy Resources for Faculty
Frequently Asked Questions
The module is designed for all WashU undergraduate students, regardless of their chosen field of study or prior technical experience. It is intentionally interdisciplinary and focuses on critical thinking rather than tool-specific skills.
No. Faculty instructors are not required to use or assign the AI Literacy module in their courses. Students can choose to self-enroll, but are not required to, unless assigned by their instructor.
The module emphasizes responsible and transparent use of AI, not enforcement or policing. It encourages students to:
- Think critically about when AI use supports learning and when it does not
- Understand the limitations and risks of using generative AI
- Follow expectations and requirements set by their individual course instructors
Ultimately, the module defers to guidance from course instructors to determine what is appropriate use of AI in any given class.
Yes. The module is expected to evolve over time. As technologies, policies, and academic norms change, the content will be reviewed and updated. Faculty and student feedback will directly inform future revisions.
AI tools will change. Foundational skills, such as evaluating outputs critically, understanding ethical implications, and using AI responsibly, are more durable and transferable across disciplines and careers. The module is designed to build those lasting competencies.
To provide anonymous feedback about the AI Literacy module or the new suite of AI tools, complete the form on our Contact page.