AI and Learning

Using AI in your learning? Discover when it helps and when it may hold you back. 

AI Literacy Module Series

AI and Learning Modules

Through a new series of self-paced modules, you will explore how you learn, how generative AI tools — particularly large language models (LLMs) — work, and how your use of generative AI can help or harm your own learning. 

By completing these modules, you will develop the knowledge and critical judgment needed to make informed decisions about if, when, and how to use AI in your academic work. The modules are housed in Avenue to Learn (A2L) and available to any McMaster student. 

Currently, one module is available (How Learning Works), while two modules will be released later in Fall 2026. Please note this content is being released in beta mode, as we continue to gather feedback and make revisions over the next weeks. 

These modules were developed by the McMaster University Libraries in partnership with the Special Advisor, Generative AI and the Office of the Vice-Provost, Teaching and Learning, with support from the Paul R. MacPherson Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Excellence in Teaching. 

AI and Learning Modules

How Learning Works

The goal of this module is to explore learning in higher education contexts. We discuss strategies and habits that can help you learn more effectively. 

By the end, you will have a deeper understanding of your own learning processes and be better prepared to evaluate the role of AI in your own education. 

For instructors: download the "How Learning Works" course package here to import its content into your own A2L course. Download the entire .zip file.

Visit the How Learning Works module

How LLMs Work

The goal of this forthcoming module is to build a foundation for understanding AI and large language models (LLMs). 

We will explore how LLMs are trained and how they generate responses, and examine their strengths, limitations, and broader impacts. 

Module under development.

LLMs and Learning

The goal of this forthcoming module is to explore the relationship between large language models (LLMs) and the process of learning. 

Throughout the module, you will be encouraged to critically evaluate whether AI is helping you engage more deeply with learning or replacing the cognitive work that learning requires. 

Module under development.

For Instructors

For Instructors

Bring AI literacy into your course with this ready-to-use module series. Use the content as is or adapt it to fit your course and students.

There are two ways to have your students engage with this content:

  1. Ask students to enrol directly using the A2L course links.
  2. Download the course package to import into your own Avenue to Learn course, selecting the content you want to include.

Find the links and downloadable files for each module in their descriptions above.

For information on importing a package into your A2L course, scroll down to the "Importing Components" section of this page from the A2L Knowledge Base. You might also find this video tutorial to be helpful.

 

AI Modules Feedback Form

Feedback and Contact Us

If you have questions about the modules, please contact liblearn@mcmaster.ca.

To share feedback, suggestions, or recommendations on this module or the AI and Learning Series, please use this form.