AI Literacy Skills 101 Course

A shared toolkit for K-12 teachers and students to explore, understand, and use AI responsibly and ethically.

8 lessons • 40 minutes each

Lesson 7: Communicating AI Use

Lesson overview

In this lesson, students will explore how to talk about their use of AI in a transparent and responsible way. Instead of focusing only on traditional citations (like MLA or APA), students will learn how to describe when they used AI, how it influenced their thinking, and why it mattered in their process. The lesson also encourages students to ask questions, share their thinking openly with teachers, and view academic integrity as a shared learning journey, not something to fear.

  • Only complete this lesson after students have completed the AI-assisted assignment from lesson 6. 
  • As a teacher, watch the Communicating AI Use video independently first.
  • As a class, watch the video.
  • Complete Exercise 7: AI in the Creative Process to reflect on how AI influenced your thinking, and how to share that with others.

Lesson objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Describe when and how AI influenced your learning or creative process.
  • Communicate your use of AI in a clear and honest way.
  • Build confidence in asking questions about AI use instead of hiding it.

Video 7: Communicating AI Use

Exercise 7: AI in the Creative Process

Note: This activity should be done after students have completed the assignment they planned during Exercise 6.

Lesson resources:

Step 1: Reflect Individually
Now that you’ve finished your assignment, take time to reflect on how you used AI during your creative process.

Use the AI in the Creative Process tool to guide your thinking. Be honest, this is about making your thinking visible, not getting it “right.”

Step 2: Share in Small Groups
In pairs or small groups, share your reflections.

Discuss:

  • Why do some students feel like they need to hide their AI use?
  • What’s the difference between getting help and letting AI do the work for you?
  • How can we make sure students feel safe asking questions about AI use?

Step 3: Exit Ticket
On the back of your paper, answer this question:

  • What’s one question or wondering you still have about using AI?

What’s next

In the final lesson of the course, we will learn about Problem Solving with AI.

We will explore a tool from Harvard’s Center for Digital Thriving that invites us to brainstorm how we might use AI and create shared understanding and expectations around how AI might be used on an assignment.