GenAI Literacy: Empowering economics students for the future

In the rapidly evolving landscape of educational technology, the rise of generative AI (GenAI) has presented both opportunities and challenges for higher education institutions. To address this, and in my capacity as BBS GenAI co-lead, I have designed and delivered a comprehensive lecture to introduce economics students to the fundamentals of GenAI.
The lecture begins with an overview of this cutting-edge technology, providing a concise explanation of how it works and the various applications it encompasses. This foundational understanding lays the groundwork for a deeper exploration of the ethical considerations surrounding the use of GenAI, a crucial aspect that is still subject to debate and controversies.
Recognising the need for institutional guidance, the lecture also highlights the university's policy and code of practice related to the use of GenAI in teaching and assessments. This information empowers students to navigate the complex landscape of academic integrity and intellectual property while engaging with these powerful tools.
The core of the lecture focuses on equipping students with practical skills in prompt engineering, a technique that leverages the strengths of GenAI systems to produce desired outcomes. Through hands-on demonstrations and activities, students are introduced to four renowned GenAI tools: ChatGPT, Claude, MS Copilot, and Google Gemini. By exploring the unique capabilities and limitations of each platform, students develop a nuanced understanding of how to effectively and ethically harness the potential of these technologies.
To evaluate the impact of this lecture and gain insights into students' experiences, I have designed a comprehensive survey. This survey aims to assess students' understanding of GenAI, their perceptions of its ethical implications, and their reflections on their own use of these tools. The survey results will provide valuable feedback to further refine and enhance the lecture content, ensuring that it remains relevant and impactful for future cohorts of first-year students.
This lecture and survey serve as a crucial step in preparing our students for the transformative era of GenAI. By equipping them with a strong foundation in the technology, its applications, and its ethical considerations, we can empower them to navigate the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of technology, making them future-ready. The insights gained from this initiative will contribute to the ongoing discourse on the effective and responsible integration of GenAI in higher education.