Teachers and educators have received a lot of attention when it comes to generative AI tools and education, but support staff are also on the front lines here dealing with this issue. Front-facing staff including learning advisors and librarians are trying to assist students with assignments often in the face of little to no guidance in the post-ChatGPT education environment.
Rather than trying to police usage or enforce bans on AI tools, support staff can become trusted experts leading out on AI literacy initiatives for students. This follows on logically from their existing roles promoting information and digital literacies. In my presentations to colleagues in this space, I emphasize the need for them to develop a critical understanding of these tools and how they work so they can do their job and advise students effectively, even if they don’t particularly care to use the tools in their own work.
Toward that end, I created this basic guide—inspired by the intelligent and curious New Zealand parrot, the kea—to help support staff navigate the new AI landscape and continue to be those trusted advisors who assist students with assignments and finding reliable information.
- K stands for Know enough about AI tools to discuss with student
- E stands for Enquire about any AI policies or assignment guidelines from instructor
- A stands for Advise student about how to use AI tools ethically and responsibly
Find the KEA Method PDF version here. Please share with anyone you know who might find it useful!
