Notes
Before You Read
For students who are uncertain about the quality of their writing abilities, AI (artificial intelligence) can act as a tool for remedying skill gaps where they are present. The question is, of course, the extent to which students use AI to supplement their own voice. Artificial intelligence acts as a vehicle for further understanding, but there are strategies for ensuring that this vehicle isn’t “self-driving”. AI is an excellent navigator, but incapable of original thought. Even when the journey gets difficult, the writer should remain in the driver’s seat.
The potential academic integrity concerns with AI are numerous. While Liza Long’s chapter describes strategies for ethical use, specific contexts vary. If a student is unsure whether or not a specific use of AI is appropriate, they should consult their professor’s official AI policy or (if unavailable or if questions remain) send a polite email asking for clarification.
AI acts as a vehicle for the acquisition of missing skills, but the development of these skills– the trial and failure, the sleepless nights, the distaste brought on by a particularly rough draft– is where growth occurs. Artificial intelligence has its uses, but becoming truly great at anything requires practice and grit. Communicating in the written format is a precious skill that takes a lifetime to develop. College is a time for learning; seize the opportunity when it presents itself.
Introduction by Gabriella Coleman
What is Digital Literacy? Digital Literacy in the Age of AI: Understanding the 8 C’s Framework
by Liza Long
Introduction
As AI tools become increasingly integrated into the writing process, digital literacy is no longer optional—it’s essential. But what exactly does it mean to be digitally literate in an AI-enhanced writing environment? This chapter explores Doug Belshaw’s comprehensive framework for digital literacy through the lens of AI-assisted writing.
The 8 C's of Digital Literacy
1. Cultural
- Definition: Understanding the contexts and environments in which digital tools are used
- AI Writing Application:
- Recognizing when AI use is appropriate in different academic contexts
- Understanding institutional policies on AI use
- Considering cultural implications of AI-generated content
- Practice Activity: Analyze different writing scenarios and determine appropriate AI tool use
2. Cognitive
- Definition: Mastering the mental processes required to use digital tools effectively
- AI Writing Application:
- Understanding how AI language models work
- Developing effective prompting strategies
- Evaluating AI outputs critically
- Practice Activity: Create and test different prompts for the same writing task
3. Constructive
- Definition: Creating and remixing content using digital tools
- AI Writing Application:
- Using AI as a brainstorming partner
- Combining AI-generated content with original writing
- Building upon AI suggestions to create something new
- Practice Activity: Generate AI content and transform it into an original piece
4. Communicative
- Definition: Effectively communicating through various digital platforms
- AI Writing Application:
- Articulating your needs clearly to AI tools
- Maintaining your voice while using AI assistance
- Communicating about AI use with instructors and peers
- Practice Activity: Document your AI collaboration process for a writing assignment
5. Confident
- Definition: Feeling empowered to use digital tools while understanding their limitations
- AI Writing Application:
- Developing comfort with AI writing tools
- Understanding when to trust (and not trust) AI outputs
- Maintaining agency in the writing process
- Practice Activity: Journal about your AI writing experiences and comfort level
6. Creative
7. Critical
- Definition: Analyzing digital tools and content with a questioning mindset
- AI Writing Application:
- Evaluating AI-generated content for accuracy
- Identifying potential biases in AI outputs
- Making informed choices about AI tool use
- Practice Activity: Fact-check and analyze an AI-generated text
8. Civic
- Definition: Using digital tools to participate in society and contribute to communities
- AI Writing Application:
- Understanding ethical implications of AI use
- Contributing to discussions about AI in education
- Using AI responsibly in collaborative projects
- Practice Activity: Create guidelines for ethical AI use in group work
Self Assessment
Here’s a link to a self assessment you can use to check your own digital literacy. Remember that there are no wrong answers!
https://claude.site/artifacts/13f30e64-538e-4ba6-b355-2f5d26f2063c
Reflection Questions
- Which of the 8 C’s do you feel most confident about? Why?
- Which area needs the most development in your practice?
- How might improving in each area enhance your writing process?
- What strategies can you implement to strengthen your weaker areas?
What is Digital Literacy? Digital Literacy in the Age of AI: Understanding the 8 C’s Framework by Liza Long is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.
Long, Liza. “What is Digital Literacy?” The Commons: Tools for Reading, Writing, and Rhetoric (2nd ed.), edited by Jill Parrott and Dominic Ashby, Eastern Kentucky University, 2026.