Advancing AI Literacy with the Illinois Broadband Lab

African American IT expert updating AI system writing intricate binary code scripts

The AI Literacy Challenge

Illinois is investing more than $1 billion in broadband infrastructure, but connectivity alone will not ensure that all Illinoisans can participate in an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. AI adoption is accelerating across every sector — education, healthcare, workforce, small business, government — and AI literacy gaps are mirroring and deepening the digital divides that IBL was created to address. Without intentional capacity building, the state risks creating a new divide between those who can leverage AI tools and those who cannot.

The AI Connector Network (AICN)

Launched by the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) in January 2026, this community of practice is for university administrators, faculty, and community partners working on AI capacity-building initiatives.

Led by Dr. Marcelo Sztainberg (NEIU Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Research) and Dr. Hei-Chi Chan (UIS Associate Professor, mathematical sciences and philosophy), and aligned with the Illinois Broadband Lab, the AICN brings together higher education leaders, community college partners, and regional hub teams to share strategies, develop programming, and coordinate AI literacy efforts statewide. The network emphasizes meeting institutions where they are in their journeys of adopting and using AI, rather than focusing solely on the latest innovations. Its goal is to connect this AI community with other IIN programs and partners — for example, by integrating AI literacy components into existing digital equity initiatives or workforce training programs— while fostering practical, scalable collaboration.

AI initiatives that are currently of interest to and in development by AICN members include, but are not limited to:

  • Exploring the use of AI-enabled tools in manufacturing
  • Designing and piloting a teacher-facing, conversational AI tool
  • Seeking grants and other funding opportunities to support AI adoption and integration

What Is AI Literacy?

AI Literacy includes:

  • Understanding what AI is and how it works (basic concepts)
  • Using AI tools effectively for personal, educational, or professional goals
  • Evaluating AI outputs critically (bias, accuracy, limitations)
  • Creating with AI (not just consuming)
  • Navigating ethical and societal implications

Why It Matters:

  • AI literacy is becoming as essential as digital literacy
  • Enables workforce participation in an AI-enabled economy
  • Empowers informed decision-making about AI systems
  • Reduces harm from AI misuse or manipulation
AI abstract concept depicted as AI lettering within outlay of human sketch

AI Literacy Across Sectors

AI is reshaping every sector in Illinois, and AI literacy is both a workforce readiness and an economic development priority.

Education (K-12 & Higher Ed)

  • Teachers using AI for lesson planning, assessment, differentiation
  • Students learning with and about AI
  • CS education pathways incorporating AI concepts

Workforce Development

  • Workers in manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics use AI tools daily
  • Job seekers need AI skills for employment
  • Training programs integrate AI literacy

Health & Social Services

  • Healthcare providers use AI diagnostics and care coordination
  • Social service agencies use AI for case management
  • AI components are embedded in telehealth platforms

Community Services

  • Libraries offer AI literacy programming
  • Nonprofits use AI for service delivery
  • Local governments use AI for planning and services

Barriers to AI Literacy in Illinois

Infrastructure

  • Persistent broadband gaps in rural and underserved areas
  • Device limitations (AI tools often require computing power)
  • Cost of access to advanced AI tools

Knowledge

  • Limited awareness of AI capabilities and relevance
  • Fear or mistrust of AI
  • Lack of training opportunities, especially in rural areas
  • Language and accessibility barriers

Systemic

  • AI literacy is not yet integrated into K-12 or adult education standards
  • Workforce training programs lag behind industry AI adoption
  • No coordinated statewide AI literacy strategy
  • Limited funding specifically for AI literacy (vs. general digital literacy)

Equity Concerns

  • AI literacy gaps may deepen existing inequalities
  • Covered or vulnerable populations (rural, aging, low-income, disabled, non-English speaking, etc.) face compounded barriers
  • Risk of creating a new digital divide: “AI haves” and “have-nots”