Table 3 Participants’ Generative AI literacy.

1a The individual can pick the right tool for the task, in the context of the proliferation of writing tools (including alternative generative AI to ChatGPT)

Students were aware of many AI writing assistants and tended to use them for specific tasks.

1b The individual learns to use the chosen tool effectively for a specific task

A wide range of uses were being made to address individual needs.

The observations did not show sophisticated prompt engineering.

1c The individual can interpret generative AI outputs critically, given an understanding of how they work and their limits

There was awareness of problems of information accuracy, but less of bias.

2. Safety understanding: The individual can use generative AI safely

There was good awareness of the privacy issue

3. Reflective understanding: The individual can assess and take action to manage the impacts of AI on their experience in the educational context

Interviewees were concerned about issues such as the impact on their learning and to a lesser extent the social dimension of learning

4.Socio-ethical understanding: The individual understands the societal impacts of AI

Interviewees showed limited awareness and tended to make light of these impacts

5. Contextual understanding: The individual understands how to use generative AI appropriately in a particular context and makes their own use explicit, as appropriate

Concerns about appropriate uses were at the forefront of participants’ minds. Their call for institutional clarification reflected a desire to use tools in contextually appropriate ways