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Generative AI and Information Literacy: Information Privilege

The goal of this guide is to help students learn about the relationship between generative AI and access to information.

Activity

Below are some example responses to the same questions you should have answered in the previous section These responses were generated by ChatGPT. 

Review one or more of ChatGPT's responses and compare it to your own, then reflect on the following: 

  • What do you feel are the strengths and weaknesses of the AI-generated response? 
  • Are there any good points in the generated response that you missed in your original response? 
  • Is there anything from your original response that the generated response missed or did not address that you think it should have? 

Prompt 1: Geographical barriers

The following text was generated by ChatGPT in response to the prompt: 

How might barriers to access to information related to geographical location increase inequality for college students as generative AI becomes more integrated in our lives?

The response has been edited for length. 

As generative AI becomes more integrated into our lives, access to information becomes increasingly vital for college students across various disciplines. However, geographical barriers to accessing this information can exacerbate existing inequalities in education. Here's how:

  1. Limited Infrastructure: In regions with poor internet connectivity or limited access to technology, college students may struggle to access generative AI tools and online resources essential for their studies. This lack of infrastructure places these students at a significant disadvantage compared to their peers in areas with better connectivity.

  2. Unequal Resource Distribution: Geographical disparities often result in unequal distribution of educational resources. Students in urban centers or affluent areas may have better access to libraries, research facilities, and educational institutions that provide training and resources on AI technologies. Conversely, students in rural or economically disadvantaged areas may lack access to these resources, hindering their ability to learn and utilize generative AI effectively.

  3. Cost of Access: Even if generative AI tools are available online, students from low-income backgrounds may struggle to afford the necessary subscriptions or access fees. This financial barrier prevents them from fully engaging with AI technologies and gaining the skills needed to compete in an increasingly AI-driven job market.

  4. Quality of Education: Colleges and universities in certain geographical locations may have limited expertise or resources dedicated to teaching AI-related subjects. As a result, students in these areas may receive subpar education in AI compared to those attending institutions with specialized programs and faculty expertise, widening the knowledge gap between students from different regions.

  5. Job Market Disparities: Geographical location can significantly impact job opportunities and career advancement in AI-related fields. Students graduating from colleges located in tech hubs or urban centers with thriving AI industries may have better access to internships, networking opportunities, and job prospects compared to those from areas with fewer AI-related job opportunities.

Prompt 2: Access to technology

The following text was generated by ChatGPT in response to the prompt: 

How might barriers to access to information related to access to technology increase inequality for college students as generative AI becomes more integrated in our lives? 

The response has been edited for length. 

Barriers to access to technology can significantly increase inequality for college students as generative AI becomes more integrated into our lives. Here's how:

  1. Limited Hardware and Software: Students without access to modern computing devices, such as laptops or smartphones, may struggle to engage with generative AI tools and platforms. Additionally, proprietary software required for AI development and experimentation can be expensive and inaccessible for students from low-income backgrounds, further widening the technology gap.

  2. Digital Literacy Divide: Proficiency in using technology is essential for effectively utilizing generative AI tools. Students lacking access to technology may also lack the digital literacy skills necessary to navigate AI platforms, interpret results, and apply AI techniques in their studies. This digital literacy gap can impede their academic performance and hinder their ability to compete in AI-driven fields.

  3. Online Learning Barriers: As online learning becomes more prevalent, students without access to reliable internet connections or adequate computing devices may face significant challenges participating in virtual classes, accessing online resources, and engaging with AI-related coursework. This disparity in access to online education exacerbates existing inequalities in academic achievement and opportunities.

  4. Exclusion from Collaborative Projects: Collaborative projects and research opportunities involving generative AI often require access to specialized software, cloud computing resources, and high-speed internet connections. Students without access to these resources may be excluded from participating in such projects, limiting their exposure to real-world AI applications and hindering their professional development.

  5. Job Market Disadvantages: In the job market, proficiency in AI technologies is increasingly valued by employers across various industries. Students without access to technology and AI education may lack the skills and experience needed to compete for high-paying jobs in AI-related fields, further perpetuating socioeconomic inequality.

Prompt 3: Access to education

The following text was generated by ChatGPT in response to the following prompt: 

How might barriers to access to information related to access to education increase inequality for college students as generative AI becomes more integrated in our lives? 

The response has been edited for length. 

Barriers to access to education can exacerbate inequality for college students as generative AI becomes more integrated into our lives. Here's how:

  1. Limited Access to AI Courses and Resources: Colleges and universities that lack resources or expertise in AI education may offer limited or outdated coursework related to generative AI. Students attending these institutions may not have access to quality AI education, putting them at a disadvantage compared to peers at institutions with robust AI programs.

  2. Financial Barriers: Access to education often comes with a financial burden, including tuition fees, textbooks, and additional resources. Courses and workshops focused on generative AI may require additional fees or access to specialized software, putting them out of reach for students from low-income backgrounds. This financial barrier restricts access to AI education and perpetuates inequality.

  3. Geographical Disparities: Educational institutions in certain geographic areas may have fewer resources and opportunities for students interested in AI. Rural or underserved communities, in particular, may lack access to quality AI education due to limited funding, fewer qualified instructors, and fewer partnerships with industry professionals. As a result, students from these areas may face greater challenges in accessing AI education and pursuing AI-related careers.

  4. Diversity and Representation: Barriers to access to education can disproportionately affect underrepresented minority groups, including women and people of color. These groups already face systemic barriers in accessing higher education and pursuing careers in STEM fields, including AI. Without equitable access to AI education, these disparities can worsen, leading to a lack of diversity and representation in the AI workforce.

  5. Job Market Disadvantages: As AI technologies continue to shape various industries, individuals with AI skills are increasingly in demand in the job market. Students who lack access to AI education may struggle to compete for jobs in AI-related fields, limiting their career opportunities and perpetuating socioeconomic inequality.

Prompt 4: Socioeconomic status

The following text was generated by ChatGPT in response to the following prompt: 

How might barriers to access to information related to socioeconomic status increase inequality for college students as generative AI becomes more integrated in our lives? 

The response has been edited for length.

Barriers to access to information related to socioeconomic status can significantly increase inequality for college students as generative AI becomes more integrated into our lives. Here's how:

  1. Cost of Technology and Resources: Generative AI tools and resources often require access to modern computing devices, high-speed internet, and specialized software, all of which can be costly. Students from low-income families may struggle to afford these technological resources, hindering their ability to engage with AI technologies and participate fully in AI-related coursework and projects.

  2. Access to Quality Education: Socioeconomic status can impact access to quality education at all levels, including higher education. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds may attend underfunded schools or lack access to advanced coursework in AI-related fields. Without exposure to AI education and resources, these students may be ill-prepared to compete in an increasingly AI-driven job market.

  3. Opportunities for Extracurricular Activities and Internships: Participation in extracurricular activities, internships, and research opportunities is crucial for developing skills and gaining practical experience in AI. However, students from low-income backgrounds may face barriers to participating in these activities due to financial constraints or lack of access to networking opportunities. This limits their ability to build competitive resumes and secure high-paying jobs in AI-related fields.

  4. Access to Mentors and Support Networks: Socioeconomic status can impact access to mentorship and support networks, which play a vital role in academic and career success. Students from affluent backgrounds may have access to mentors who can provide guidance and advice on navigating AI education and career pathways. In contrast, students from low-income backgrounds may lack access to such mentorship opportunities, further widening the gap in AI-related opportunities and outcomes.

  5. Job Market Disparities: Socioeconomic status can influence access to job opportunities and career advancement in AI-related fields. Students from privileged backgrounds may have access to prestigious internships, job networks, and professional development opportunities that give them a competitive edge in the job market. Conversely, students from disadvantaged backgrounds may face barriers to accessing these opportunities, limiting their career prospects in AI-related fields.