The AI-U Guide Series
This is the third publication in the AI-U Guide series published by Elon University and the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), in partnership with The Princeton Review. This series is a response to the statement of principles, “Higher education’s essential role in preparing humanity for the artificial intelligence revolution,” released at the United Nations Internet Governance Forum in Kyoto, Japan, in October 2023.
Fundamental human capacities
The skills in this guide reflect the essential learning outcomes championed by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). As detailed in the publication, “What Liberal Education Looks Like,” this approach to learning emphasizes broad knowledge and transferable skills – such as critical inquiry, ethical reasoning and creative problem-solving. This field guide adapts those enduring educational goals for the algorithmic age, demonstrating that the core competencies of a liberal education remain the best preparation for a future shaped by artificial intelligence.
The human capacities featured in this publication were inspired by the Imagining the Digital Future Center report, “Being human in 2035: How are we changing in the age of AI?” More than 300 technology experts reflected on the future impact of AI on a set of essential human traits and capabilities:
- curiosity and capacity to learn
- decision-making and problem-solving
- innovative thinking and creativity
- social and emotional intelligence
- capacity and willingness to think deeply about complex concepts
- trust in widely shared norms and values
- confidence in humans’ native abilities
- empathy and application of moral judgment
- mental well-being
- sense of agency
- sense of identity and purpose
- metacognition
Learn more – “Reclaiming Phronesis in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: A Pedagogical Framework for Human-Centric AI Education”
Why classical wisdom for modern technology?
It may seem odd to call upon classical wisdom in a guide about artificial intelligence. But while AI tools are rapidly evolving, human challenges stay familiar. AI can generate myriad options at high speed, but it cannot choose what you value or take responsibility for the results of your work. Values and accountability remain with you.
The thinkers featured in this guide wrestled with the same questions we face every day: how to seek truth, manage attention, work with others, and make good decisions under pressure. This guide helps you translate enduring ideas into practical habits. As AI becomes more capable, these habits become more important, not less. They allow you to benefit from AI without letting the tools quietly replace your judgment.
Using this guide
We call this a field guide because it is meant to be used as an active learning and personal development resource. Your learning will be deeper if you work through the hands-on exercises as you think about each human skill. Keep the guide handy and refer to the mini-tools as you work on projects using AI.
For students and educators
This guide is most appropriate for undergraduate university students in any discipline, as well as upper secondary school students. Learners in other age groups may also benefit from using the guide. Each human capacity page in this guide includes a companion teacher’s guide that can be used with classes and workshops. Using the links on each page, download the files in PDF or Powerpoint format to learn more about the great thinkers, explore the human capacities in greater depth and obtain worksheets and discussion questions. The exercises can be used in any order and can be adapted by faculty to align with course goals and content.