Drs. Veronika Hackl, Alexandra Elena Müller, Maximilian Sailer (Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences, University of Passau, Passau, Germany), The AI literacy heptagon: A structured approach to AI literacy in higher education, Computers and Education: Articial Intelligence 10 (2026).

Abstract

The integrative literature review addresses the conceptualization and implementation of AI Literacy (AIL) in Higher Education (HE) by examining recent research literature. Through an analysis of publications (2021–2024), we explore (1) how AIL is defined and conceptualized in current research, particularly in HE, and how it can be delineated from related concepts such as Data Literacy, Media Literacy, and Computational Literacy; (2) how various definitions can be synthesized into a comprehensive working definition, and (3) how scientific insights can be effectively translated into educational practice. Our analysis identifies seven central dimensions of AIL: technical, applicational, critical thinking, ethical, social, integrational, and legal. These are synthesized in the AI Literacy Heptagon, deepening conceptual understanding and supporting the structured development of AIL in HE. The study aims to bridge the gap between theoretical AIL conceptualizations and the practical implementation in academic curricula.

The authors take a deep deep into the literature on teaching AI and draw on their own expertise to identify seven (hence the reference to heptagon) facets of AI education: Technical knowledge and skills, Application proficiency, Critical thinking ability, Ethical awareness and reasoning, Social impact understanding, Integration skills, and Legal and regulatory knowledge. The full article is worth the dense read and the seven facets strike me as useful.