Exploring AI Literacy and Creativity in First Year Curriculum
Students in Integrative Seminar had the opportunity to hear from Asheley Gao, former Google Creative Producer and Strategist, now a lecturer at Parsons Paris,on the evolving role of Generative AI in the cultural industries and beyond.
One highlight? A surprising example of how AI systems first struggled with seemingly basic tasks, like distinguishing between a Chihuahua and a blueberry muffin – a reminder that while AI is powerful, it’s not perfect, and humans play a key role in teaching machines how to “see,” underscoring how central language is to the skill set of future creatives. The discussion revolved around the importance of language -finding the right words to describe images, figurative representations of abstractions, or textures- when training AI based on LLM (Large Language models).
Gao also introduced us to TextFX, a tool developed by rapper Lupe Fiasco in collaboration with Google Labs. This AI-powered platform supports writers, rappers, and wordsmiths in exploring language in new ways, showing us how AI can enhance creative processes – a perfect example of how AI should be seen as a valuable tool for designers and artists, rather than a looming threat to their jobs. This presentation helped think about ethically responsible uses of Generative AI in the context of the classroom and creative work.
In today’s rapidly changing landscape, the conversation about AI’s role in creative industries and higher education is more relevant than ever. Gao’s insights showed us just how much potential there is in this intersection between human creativity and machine intelligence – and how far we still have to go.
When to use Generative AI technologies?
A few weeks later, Emmanuel Cohen and Axelle Kurban invited students to question when to use generative Ai technologies in their practice, and what the consequences of doing so were for them, their creativity, but also fellow artists and designers or the planet.
Some of the questions discussed were: How to use Generative AI technologies in an ethical and reasonable manner? When, in the creative process, is it relevant to turn to these fast image-making tools? And how to remain in control of the outcome? The workshop introduced students to Adobe Firefly’s features as a powerful ideation and sketching tool, helping them explore the interplay of visual literacy and precise wording in AI image generation. Key takeaways included:
- Understanding AI Tools – Differentiating between text-to-image, sketch-to-image, and generative fill.
- Hands-On Exploration – Experimenting with Firefly’s sketch-to-image, image expand, and reference functionalities.
- Empowering Creativity – Learning how Gen-AI opens new possibilities for artists and designers.
- Building AI Literacy – Discussing genAI impact on societal and environmental questions such as labor, copyright, authorship and environmental costs.
This workshop marked an exciting step in helping our students stay ahead of the curve as they navigate the future of design and technology. Stay tuned for more innovative workshops and events at Parsons Paris!
Conclusion
Generative AI technologies are here to stay, there is no avoiding there ubiquity and practicality. Yet, in the First Year Curriculum, we believe that understanding how the tools we use work, and what are the potential impacts on the learners, society, and the environment are key. Through these workshops and continuous discussions between faculty, technicians, students and professional from the field, we hope to train students to become responsible users of these technologies and maintain high academic standards in art, design, and critical thinking.