Modular Curriculum Framework
A Core and Shell architecture: the Core contains foundational AI competencies mapped directly to the DOL's 5 content areas, and the Shell contains sector-specific adaptations. Total program: 17–21 hours across 5–7 sessions.
Core and Shell Architecture
Core modules are fixed. Every AI literacy program delivers them regardless of sector. They map one-to-one to the DOL Framework's 5 content areas.
What AI Is and Isn't
Maps to: Understand AI Principles
Hands-On AI Exploration
Maps to: Explore AI Uses
Communicating with AI
Maps to: Direct AI Effectively
Evaluating What AI Gives You
Maps to: Evaluate AI Outputs
Using AI Safely and Ethically
Maps to: Use AI Responsibly
Shell modules are customizable. They apply Core competencies to specific sectors, occupations, or population needs. A CBO selects or develops Shell modules based on local employer demand and LWDBLocal Workforce Development Board — the regional body managing WIOA funds. priorities.
Module Anatomy
Every module — Core or Shell — follows a standard structure. This consistency allows facilitators to prepare efficiently and ensures every session produces documentable evidence for WIOA reporting.
2–3 observable behaviors the participant will demonstrate by the end of the module. Written in action verbs (draft, evaluate, identify, explain).
Example: "The participant will draft a customer service email using a generative AI tool and evaluate the output for accuracy and tone."
2–4 hours per module. Matches WIOA-funded session expectations and adult attention spans. Example: 3 hours (90 min instruction + 90 min hands-on).
Specific AI tools, devices, handouts, and reference materials. Prioritize free or low-cost tools: free-tier ChatGPT or Claude, printed prompt templates, sample documents for evaluation exercises.
Guidance for the instructor on managing common challenges: varying digital fluency, handling AI hallucinations during live demos, adapting pace.
Example: "If the AI generates incorrect information during a live demo, do not dismiss it. Use it as a teaching moment: ask the group, 'How would you verify this?'"
A practical assessment that produces documentable evidence of skill gain. This is the basis for a WIOA MSGMeasurable Skill Gain — a WIOA performance indicator documenting participant learning progress..
Example: Participant summarizes a 2-page document using AI, then writes a 3-sentence evaluation of the summary's accuracy. Scored on a rubric.
Core Module Details
Module 1: What AI Is and Isn't (3 hours)
Learning Objectives:
- Explain what generative AI does in plain language, including what it can and cannot do reliably
- Identify at least two real-world examples of AI in their daily life or workplace
- Describe what a "hallucination" is and why AI-generated content must be verified
This module sets the tone. Participants may arrive with anxiety about AI replacing their jobs, or skepticism that AI is relevant. Both are valid. Acknowledge them directly. The goal is to make AI less abstract and more approachable.
Check for Understanding: Participants write a 3-sentence explanation of what generative AI is, in their own words, without notes. Scored on a 3-point rubric: accuracy, acknowledgment of limitations, use of a concrete example. Documents Training Milestone MSG (Type 4).
Module 2: Hands-On AI Exploration (3 hours)
Learning Objectives:
- Use at least two different AI tools to complete practical tasks
- Identify one way AI could assist with a task in their current or target occupation
- Compare output quality across different AI tools
Check for Understanding: Each participant submits one AI-generated work product with a written reflection (3–5 sentences) on what the AI did well and what required human revision. Documents Skills Progression MSG (Type 5).
Module 3: Communicating with AI (3 hours)
Learning Objectives:
- Write a structured prompt with context, audience, tone, and format specifications
- Revise an AI output by iterating on the original prompt at least twice
- Distinguish between a vague prompt and an effective prompt
Prompt engineering is where participants often experience the first "aha moment" — the realization that AI quality is controllable, not random. If a participant's prompt produces poor output, resist the urge to fix it. Ask: "What could you add to help the AI understand what you want?"
Check for Understanding: Participants submit their best prompt-output pair, annotated with what they changed between iterations and why. Documents Skills Progression MSG (Type 5).
Module 4: Evaluating What AI Gives You (2 hours)
Learning Objectives:
- Identify at least three types of errors in AI-generated content
- Apply a structured evaluation rubric to AI output
- Explain why human judgment remains essential with AI-generated content
Check for Understanding: Participants evaluate one AI-generated document using the rubric and write a 2-sentence recommendation: use as-is, revise, or discard. Documents Training Milestone MSG (Type 4).
Module 5: Using AI Safely and Ethically (2 hours)
Learning Objectives:
- Identify at least three categories of information that should never be entered into a public AI tool
- Review and explain the key elements of a workplace AI acceptable use policy
- Describe one ethical concern related to AI use in their sector
Responsible use is not about fear — it is about informed judgment. Participants should leave feeling empowered to use AI confidently within clear boundaries, not afraid to use it at all.
Check for Understanding: Participants write a brief (5-sentence) personal AI use policy for their current or target role. Documents Training Milestone MSG (Type 4).
Sector Adaptations (Shell Modules)
Shell modules apply Core competencies to specific occupational contexts. Below are three sector adaptations demonstrating how the same Core competency maps to different workplace tasks.
Understand AI Principles
How AI is used in medical scheduling, clinical decision support, and patient triage. What AI cannot do: diagnose, prescribe, or replace clinical judgment. HIPAA implications.
Explore AI Uses
Draft a patient appointment reminder. Summarize a care plan for a case management meeting. Generate a checklist for a new patient intake process.
Direct AI Effectively
Prompt AI to create a patient education handout at a 6th-grade reading level. Iterate to ensure medical accuracy without jargon.
Evaluate AI Outputs
Evaluate an AI-generated care plan summary for clinical accuracy and HIPAA compliance. Flag information that could lead to a treatment error.
Use AI Responsibly
Never enter patient PII (name, DOB, SSN, medical record number) into a consumer AI tool. Understand HIPAA's minimum necessary standard.
Understand AI Principles
How AI is used in predictive maintenance, quality control, and supply chain optimization. What AI cannot do: replace human inspection for safety-critical components.
Explore AI Uses
Draft a shift handoff report. Summarize a safety incident for documentation. Generate a preventive maintenance schedule from equipment logs.
Direct AI Effectively
Prompt AI to draft a standard operating procedure for a machine changeover. Iterate to match the actual equipment model and safety requirements.
Evaluate AI Outputs
Evaluate an AI-generated quality control checklist against the actual ISO standard. Flag missing inspection points.
Use AI Responsibly
Never enter proprietary manufacturing processes, trade secrets, or client specifications into a consumer AI tool. Understand IP protection.
Understand AI Principles
How AI is used in guest personalization, dynamic pricing, and inventory management. What AI cannot do: replace human judgment in guest relations or service recovery.
Explore AI Uses
Draft a guest welcome message. Summarize guest feedback from multiple reviews. Generate a staff training schedule for a new seasonal menu.
Direct AI Effectively
Prompt AI to create a response to a negative online review. Iterate to match brand voice and address the specific complaint.
Evaluate AI Outputs
Evaluate an AI-generated event proposal for a corporate client. Flag unrealistic timelines, missing cost items, or tone mismatches.
Use AI Responsibly
Never enter guest PII (credit card numbers, reservation details, loyalty program data) into a consumer AI tool. Understand PCI-DSS basics.
How CBOs Customize Shell Modules
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1
Identify local employer needs
Contact 2–3 employer partners or review job postings. Ask: "What tasks do your employees perform that could be assisted by AI? Where are the skill gaps?"
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2
Select relevant modules
Choose or develop 2–3 Shell modules aligned with the highest-demand sectors in your LWDB area. Check the Demand Occupation List or Regional/Local Plan.
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3
Add sector-specific examples
Replace generic examples in the Core modules with occupation-specific tasks. The Core structure stays the same — only the content examples change.
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4
Pilot and iterate
Run the first cohort as a pilot. Collect participant and employer feedback. Revise Shell modules based on what worked. This aligns with DOL Delivery Principle 7 (Design for Agility).