Beyond AI Literacy: Developing and Validating a Reflective Human–AI Learning Scale in Higher Education

Authors

• Alison Munsch PhD, Iona UniversityFollow

Abstract

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is transforming higher education, yet current AI literacy frameworks primarily assess what students know about AI and how they use it rather than how they think while learning with AI. This paper introduces Reflective Human–AI Learning (RHAL), a complementary construct that captures the quality of students' reflective cognition while collaborating with AI. Drawing upon AI literacy, metacognition, significant learning, critical thinking, and self-regulated learning, the study proposes a multidimensional instrument and outlines a rigorous psychometric validation process. The resulting scale is intended to complement—not replace—existing AI literacy measures by assessing reflective judgment, intentional inquiry, and ethical human-AI collaboration.

Recommended Citation

Munsch, Alison PhD (2026) "Beyond AI Literacy: Developing and Validating a Reflective Human–AI Learning Scale in Higher Education," Communications of the IIMA: Vol. 24: Iss. 1, Article 16.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58729/1941-6687.1521
Available at: https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/ciima/vol24/iss1/16