Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Linguistics and Cognitive Science

Reader 1

Lise Abrams

Reader 2

Winston Ou

Terms of Use & License Information

Terms of Use for work posted in Scholarship@Claremont.

Rights Information

2025 Juliane T Renaker

Abstract

AI literacy is an essential skill for learners in the 21st century. In particular, literacy related to large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, given their widespread use and far-reaching social and environmental impact. To make LLM literacy engaging to non-technical audiences, methods such as digital story writing (DSW) have been explored, which draws on inquiry-based learning and participatory design principles. In this study, 27 adult learners participated in a learning intervention aimed at improving their LLM literacy. All participants took notes on two learning materials. The traditional learning group highlighted their notes and wrote a summary, while the DSW group conducted additional research and created a digital story using Adobe Express, integrating both the provided and newly gathered information. LLM literacy was assessed before and after the intervention. Recollection of the learning materials was measured immediately after the intervention and again one week later. Engagement with the study and motivation to continue learning were also assessed one week post-intervention. Findings showed that the intervention did improve participants’ LLM literacy. Both groups scored initially high on the recollection test and maintained their knowledge after one week. Both groups also expressed high motivation to continue learning. However, engagement results were mixed; some participants in the DSW group reported lower engagement due to the task’s difficulty and confusion.These results suggest that for brief, introductory lessons on LLM literacy, traditional learning methods may be more effective in meeting educational goals.

Download

This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

Share

COinS