Breaking New Ground: How GenAI Visual Literacy Transforms Humanities Education
Research by Oscar Eybers and Jualize Steyn reveals promising yet complex implications of AI-generated visual narratives in higher education

Revolutionary Approach to Academic Literacy
Researchers Oscar Eybers and Jualize Steyn from the University of Pretoria's Unit for Academic Literacy have conducted an ethically approved study that challenges traditional approaches to academic writing and critical thinking development. Their research investigates how GenAI-mediated visual literacy narratives can serve as powerful tools for fostering higher-order thinking skills among first-year Humanities students.

Innovative Methodology
The study required students to create comprehensive multimodal assignments consisting of:

• A 400–450 word personal literacy narrative
• Three AI-generated images using platforms such as DALL-E, Copilot, Gemini, and Canva
• Two recorded voice clips in their home language with accompanying English explanations
• Integration of all components into a single Word document with embedded multimedia

This approach deliberately embraced multilingual and multimodal communication, recognizing the diverse linguistic landscape of South African higher education.

Key Findings: Promise and Peril

The Positive Impact
The research revealed that GenAI can significantly enhance critical thinking when technical barriers are minimized. Students demonstrated improved engagement with dense textual material, with visual AI support making content more digestible and maintaining attention spans. The assignment successfully promoted multiliteracies, supported multilingualism by overcoming monolingual barriers, and cultivated multimodal expression through the integration of visual, linguistic, personal, and disciplinary knowledge.

Concerning Challenges
However, the study also uncovered troubling inequities. Digital literacy emerged not merely as a skill but as a form of academic privilege, creating disparities among students. The assignment revealed striking inequities that weren't immediately obvious, highlighting the need for more inclusive approaches to AI integration in education.

Implications for Educators
The research offers balanced recommendations for educational practice. From the student perspective, GenAI should be used as a study aid to support visualization, but educators must guard against over-reliance. Students should ensure full comprehension before progressing, strengthening understanding rather than becoming dependent on AI visualization.

From the teaching perspective, the study advocates for GenAI integration as a supplement to, not replacement for, traditional methods. The researchers emphasized the need for greater cross-disciplinary collaboration to bridge gaps between teaching approaches across different fields.

Looking Forward
This research contributes valuable insights to the growing body of knowledge about AI in education, particularly in multilingual and diverse educational contexts. As institutions worldwide grapple with AI integration, the University of Pretoria's approach offers a thoughtful model that celebrates linguistic diversity while addressing equity concerns.

Learn More:
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