Information and Media Education (IME) in the Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Perspectives #ECIL2025

Sheila here liveblogging in the afternoon of the ECIL conference in Bamberg. This talk is Information and Media Education (IME) in the Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Perspectives presented by Yolande Maury (Lille University, France). Firstly she outlines opportunities and potential in education, namely generative capabilities, the educational possibilities e.g. promoting creativity through co-creation. She also mentioned UNESCO's input in developing frameworks for AI competence.
However there are also challenges such as misinformation, critical thinking and ethical concerns (e.g. perpetuating stereotypes, cognitive offloading) and the need for algorithmic literacy. The methodology for her study was to analyse some key texts relevant to French education, e.g. L'IA en education: Cadre d'Usage, and undertake a critical thematic analysis. They identified "a nuanced and multifaceted approach to integrating generative AI into education", with attention to creativity, acknowledging tensions, and reflecting the influence of a French soiciocultral approach. However the place and role of the teacher librarians is questioned.
There are different perspectives found in this literature. The first is regulation, aiming to achieve safe and ethical deployment of AI in education. The recommended regulation varies between the examined texts, including emphasis on privacy, ethical AI use, ethical media engagement, support of personalised and independent learning, fostering transdisciplinarity & creativity, and ensuring inclusion and diversity. The gaps include a focus on instrumental skills (e.g.coding) and neglect of sociocultural integration or clear guidance on developing creativity.
The second is the protection lens, safeguarding the development of critical skills (esprit critique) and academic integrity. There is also a promotional lens. In conclusion, the texts showed a cautious, pragmatic approach to AI - while there is a balance between promotion, regulation and protection, regulation is receiving most attention.