Logo for the Institute for Information Literacy at Purdue with a graphic of illustrations of different individuals with a gold connection web between them.

Partners in AI Literacy

Student-Faculty Learning Community

Are you a Purdue student or instructor interested in creating dialogue on campus about algorithmic technologies – like chatbots and social media platforms – and how they impact the ways we learn and teach? Do you have interest or experience in exploring the ethics, opportunities, and consequences of these technologies in educational and social participation?

In the Partners in AI Literacy (PAL) Student-Faculty Learning Community, Purdue students and instructors will learn and work alongside one another to build inclusive educational spaces in an age of algorithmically mediated information and learning.

Take advantage of a collaborative, supportive space to explore best practices of teaching and learning within the reality of AI technologies. Ask questions, share ideas, and take part in groundbreaking work where, as partners, teachers and learners co-design curricular plans for ethically navigating and making informed decisions about AI in Purdue classes. PAL is a unique and valuable opportunity to gain experience shifting the way we think about learning so respect, mutual benefit, and shared responsibility can be cultivated between faculty and students, informed by the lived experiences and expertise of both perspectives.

What will PAL look like? 

This fall semester, through 8 weekly sessions, PAL participants will dive into what AI literacy means and how partnership can empower meaningful learning. The first week’s sessions are separate intro sessions for student and instructor partners to prepare you for successful PAL partnership. Then, in the following weeks, the entire cohort will meet, and you will meet your partner. During sessions, we will discuss the social, emotional, and behavioral impacts of algorithms on the ways we access, share, and create information.

We will investigate how we can approach AI tools in ways that center and support our human decision-making power, creativity, and activism in educational contexts. PAL students and instructors will co-learn and co-design to collaboratively identify solutions for teaching and learning with AI in the instructors’ classes, and you’ll share with the cohort what you design together. During the last session, participants reflect on their experiences and provide feedback in focus groups to shape future PAL programs. 

APPLY HERE!

The deadline for applications is Friday, September 11, 2026 at 11:59pm.

If you have questions or would like more information about the program, contact Samantha LeGrand – legrands@purdue.edu.

Required Qualifications

  • Any Purdue faculty/instructional staff, and any undergraduate student (graduating no sooner than Dec 2027) able to attend in-person sessions on the WL campus
  • Interest in information literacy, algorithms/AI, teaching and learning best practice, leadership, or experiential and participatory education
  • Ability to dedicate 2-3 hours per week to PAL activities, in and out of sessions
  • Desire to work on a dynamic team of students and instructors, listen actively and respectfully, and contribute through collaboration and shared decision-making
  • While not a requirement, we find it helpful for students to be in their second year in college or beyond (does not have to be only at Purdue)

Program Details

  • 8-week program with one in-person learning community session per week, with individual reflection and outside group work
  • Total estimated 15-20 hour time commitment over the entire 8 weeks (2-3 hours per week of in-person and asynchronous work with your partner)
  • Build relationships with Purdue students and instructors as you co-learn and discuss algorithmic literacy and pedagogical practices
  • Co-design classroom solutions to make the most of the opportunities AI presents
  • Further opportunities available to present talks, workshops, and trainings to share your experience with other Purdue faculty, staff, and students

Reasons to Join PAL

Shape the direction of teaching and learning at Purdue

Strengthen the relationship between students and instructors on campus

Build your network and experience unique, barrier-breaking professional development

Learn from different perspectives and expand your knowledge