Recap
AI Literacy at Scale: A Strategic Imperative for Higher Education
Artificial Intelligence is transforming every aspect of teaching, learning, and academic work—yet many campuses are still responding with isolated workshops and scattered experimentation. In our August 6 session, “AI Literacy at Scale: A Strategic Imperative for Higher Education,” we explored how to move beyond short-term adaptation and toward lasting, institutional transformation.
Moderated by Brett Christie, Ph.D. (VP, Educational Innovation, Alchemy), and featuring guest speaker Chris Hakala, Ph.D. (Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship at Springfield College), the session made a compelling case for embedding AI literacy into the core of faculty development and institutional strategy.
From Tactics to Transformation
Chris Hakala emphasized that scaling AI literacy requires more than technical training—it’s a mindset shift. Institutions must help faculty connect AI to core pedagogical values, not just tools or trends. At Springfield College, that shift has meant creating practical, mission-aligned opportunities for faculty to explore, question, and apply AI in ways that support student learning.
The goal isn’t to make everyone an AI expert—it’s to build enough comfort, confidence, and context that instructors can make informed choices in their own disciplines.
Key Strategies for Scaling Faculty Engagement
1. Focus on learning, not just tools
Rather than leading with technologies, Springfield centers faculty learning goals. AI conversations are grounded in real examples from faculty assignments and classroom scenarios, helping instructors see both the risks and opportunities with clarity.
2. Normalize curiosity and uncertainty
Leadership plays a critical role in modeling the right tone. Chris shared how Springfield’s approach leans into transparency—openly acknowledging that AI is new for everyone, and that figuring it out together strengthens trust across the institution.
3. Treat faculty development as infrastructure
Springfield doesn’t treat AI as a one-time workshop topic—it’s part of a larger professional learning system. Cohorts, conversations, and follow-ups ensure that initial interest turns into sustained growth.
Continue the Conversation
AI literacy is more than a one-off training, it’s a long-term strategy. For institutions ready to take the next step, our LEAD AI Literacy Framework outlines a scalable, four-pillar approach that helps academic leaders embed AI across teaching, policy, and practice.
If you missed the live discussion, you can watch the full recording on our YouTube channel to gain deeper insights and actionable strategies.
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