As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and daily life, higher education faces a crucial responsibility: preparing students and faculty to understand, use, and question AI technologies. Recognizing this need, the Digital Education Council (DEC) has introduced a new AI Literacy Framework to help institutions embed AI literacy across disciplines—beyond just technical skills.

In a recent article for Campus Technology, Editor-in-Chief Rhea Kelly explores the key takeaways from the DEC report, emphasizing a human-centered approach to AI education. The framework goes beyond coding and algorithms, focusing instead on developing well-rounded individuals who can engage with AI critically, ethically, and creatively.

The 5 Core Dimensions of AI Literacy

The DEC’s framework outlines five key dimensions of AI literacy. These dimensions act as pillars for building a comprehensive understanding of AI, encouraging both depth and breadth in how it is taught and applied.

Domain Expertise
It’s important to understand how AI applies within a specific academic or professional field, while keeping in mind any ethical or industry-specific implications.

Understanding AI and Data
Learners should know how AI systems function, how data is collected and used, and how to evaluate the reliability of AI-generated content.

Critical Thinking & Judgment
This involves identifying biases, interpreting AI results thoughtfully, and using sound reasoning when incorporating AI into decision-making processes.

Ethical & Responsible AI Use
Students and faculty must consider fairness, privacy, and transparency, while staying informed about regulations and ethical principles surrounding AI.

Human Skills & Creativity
AI doesn’t replace human traits like adaptability, empathy, and communication. Instead, these skills should be developed to complement AI tools and workflows.

A Roadmap, Not a Checklist

Rather than treating AI literacy as a single course or skill, the DEC framework breaks it into specific, developable competencies. It also serves as a roadmap for institutions to integrate AI learning into existing curricula—regardless of department—while ensuring ethical use remains a priority.

Higher education has a unique role in shaping how society understands and engages with AI. The ability to evaluate AI tools, recognize their limitations, and use them responsibly is becoming a core skill across all disciplines—from humanities to healthcare to engineering.

What This Means for Educators

For faculty and academic leaders, this framework raises key questions:

• How should AI literacy be taught?
• Where does it fit within current programs?
• How can general AI skills be balanced with subject-specific applications?

The DEC’s framework doesn’t offer all the answers—but it does offer a strong starting point. It encourages institutions to treat AI literacy as a core component of modern education, not just an optional tech elective. With thoughtful implementation, colleges and universities can equip graduates with the tools to navigate—and shape—a future where AI is everywhere.

By embracing frameworks like this, higher education can ensure students are not just users of AI, but critical thinkers, ethical leaders, and creative problem-solvers in an AI-powered world.

Read the full article here.

Download the DEC AI Literacy Framework here.