Most of us tell our students not to use ChatGPT for research. But what about "safe" uses like brainstorming and finding keywords? Drawing on interdisciplinary research, this presentation intends to complicate those supposedly safe uses of generative AI by introducing the concept of epistemic autonomy. The autonomous student is able to use AI for ideation just enough for it to be helpful, without letting AI determine how they should think. Classroom strategies for incorporating autonomy into information literacy instruction will be presented so that librarians can help students reflect on the role and limitations of AI in ideation.
Participants will: 1. Understand the concept of epistemic autonomy as it relates to information literacy. 2. Identify uses of AI that undermine student autonomy. 3. Be familiar with some strategies to encourage student reflection on personal autonomy in the research process.
