Design AI Literacy Assignments for Writing Practice

Quick Links: | Prerequisites | Instructions | Troubleshooting | Next Steps |

Integrating AI into classroom instruction can help students build critical digital literacy skills while reinforcing ethical and responsible use of generative tools. One effective method is to design low-stakes assignments that require students to interact with AI, reflect on its outputs, and revise them through critical engagement. This approach supports Chico State’s GenAI Guidelines and prepares students for real-world AI applications. This guide outlines how to create these assignments and the learning outcomes they support.

Prerequisites

Before designing AI literacy assignments, you should:

Step-by-Step Instructions

To design and implement an AI literacy assignment using Google Docs and Canvas, do the following:

  1. Choose a low-stakes writing task that aligns with your course objectives (e.g., summaries, outlines, topic introductions, discussion posts).
  2. Ask students to open a new Google Doc and use it to:
    • Paste or document the AI-generated first draft
    • Write revision notes or use comments to critique the AI's output [1]
    • Add a section for their final revised draft
    • Include a short reflection paragraph at the end
  3. Instruct students to share the Google Doc with you using “Anyone with the link can view” permissions, or share directly with your Chico State email.
  4. In Canvas, create an assignment with instructions for submitting their Google Doc link.
  5. In the Canvas Assignment settings, enable text entry submission so students can paste the shared link to their document.
  6. Include a rubric that rewards critical reflection, quality of revision, and ethical use of AI, not just the final product.

Troubleshooting

  • Students may rely too heavily on AI. Address this by making reflection a graded component and requiring detailed revision notes.
  • AI access may vary. Provide access to approved tools or recommend free ones available for student use.
  • Concerns about plagiarism or originality. Reinforce that this is an AI literacy activity, and academic integrity involves proper use and citation of tools. Use Chico State’s GenAI policies to clarify expectations.
  • Reflections are vague or superficial. Model good reflection practices and offer examples of strong critical engagement with AI outputs.
  • Google Doc links don’t work. Remind students to set link sharing to “Anyone with the link can view” and test before submission.

Next Steps (Optional)

 

Still need help? Faculty and staff can reach out to the Technology & Learning Program. Students can reach out to the Center for Technology Equity.

Help us improve our Knowledge Base! Select Yes or No below, then let us know what worked—or what didn’t. Your feedback helps us improve our content and provide the best possible support. 

Print Article