A Feasibility Study of AI-Generated Resources for K-12 Information Literacy

Abstract

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, nurturing information literacy (IL) skills is paramount for lifelong learning and informed citizenship. School library programs serve as crucial catalysts in this endeavor, imparting essential IL competencies to K-12 students and fostering a community adept at accessing, evaluating, and utilizing information resources responsibly. However, the abundance of information sources complicates the task of discerning credible and relevant sources from unreliable ones. Additionally, the widespread presence of false, misleading, or outdated information presents significant challenges to educators striving to impart students with essential IL skills.

This proposal seeks to address these challenges by investigating the potential of using generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), specifically the ChatGPT, in the creation and dissemination of IL information for K-12 educators. Specifically, the study will evaluate resources generated by ChatGPT on digital citizenship using the template aided by Common Sense Media’s Digital Citizenship, a widely recognized and utilized resource for information literacy in K-12 education. By assessing the suitability and effectiveness of AI-generated resources, the study aims to provide insights into the potential of AI in supporting IL instruction. The results of the study can guide future development in K-12 information literacy curricula by providing and utilizing valid and reliable AI-generated resources for IL education. 

This study directly engages with the conference theme of the evolution of information by examining the potential of employing AI-generated information for K-12 information literacy education. It introduces a novel approach to both the production and consumption of information.