A Holistic Approach to Assessing AI Literacy and Competency
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes deeply embedded in our professional and personal lives, the key question shifts from who understands AI to who can use it effectively, responsibly, and critically. In this talk, Thomas will introduce a vital distinction: AI Literacy serves as the compass, providing direction through knowledge of AI's principles, ethics, and limitations, while AI Competency acts as the engine, representing the practical power to execute tasks and drive outcomes. One without the other leads to either aimless action or powerless understanding. To assess this dynamic interplay, Thomas will present an innovative holistic framework, including an AI-based tool, designed to capture the full spectrum of an individual's AI capabilities.
Thomas Chiu, Associate Professor of AI and STEM Education at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, is a globally recognized leader in his field. His sustained scholarly impact is evidenced by his inclusion in the Stanford University Top 2% Most Cited Scientists list (rank #20 in 2024). He provides significant editorial leadership as Editor-in-Chief of Interactive Learning Environments and Associate Editor for three leading journals. His expertise is sought internationally, reflected in visiting scholar appointments across five continents. He drives innovation through the development of professional development initiatives and curricula for AI education, and AI applications for nurturing core skills. He regularly shares his expertise as a keynote and invited speaker at global academic and professional forums.