How can educators and learners engage with AI while strengthening their own voices, creativity, and critical thinking?

Tom Mackey, Professor of Arts and Media at Empire State University, explored this question with Dr. Barbara Vokatis, Professor at SUNY Oneonta, on the Get Inspired with Dr. Barb podcast in an episode titled “Metaliteracy: How to Use AI Without Losing Your Originality.”

Their conversation explores the core components of the metaliteracy model and how it supports ethical learner engagement in AI-mediated environments. As Tom explains, “Being reflective isn’t just gaining insights about who we are. It’s sometimes challenging some of those assumptions we make about our thinking and our learning.”

Dr. Barb extends this idea to personal growth in her closing reflection: “You will be a little bit more aware of what you’re doing and how you’re using these tools to become even a better version of yourself. Not somebody else, but really yourself.”

The episode is part of Get Inspired with Dr. Barb, a weekly podcast featuring conversations about educational innovation, learning, and personal growth, with practical ideas for educators and listeners beyond the classroom. The podcast is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

For anyone interested in exploring how metaliteracy supports learners in using AI ethically, this episode offers an accessible starting point.