AI Literacy for the Age of Large Language Models

A guide to inner workings, limitations, prompting, and responsible use

Overview

AI Literacy for the Age of Large Language Models provides a clear, accessible introduction to how systems such as ChatGPT and other large language models work, where their limitations lie, and how they can be used responsibly in learning, research, and professional contexts.

The book is written for readers who want to move beyond surface-level use of generative AI and develop a more informed, critical understanding. It is suitable for students, educators, researchers, and professionals who engage with AI systems but do not necessarily have a technical background.

This book reflects the thinking that underpins StudyAnalyst’s work on AI literacy, responsible use, and human judgement in the age of large language models.

Why this book

Large language models are increasingly embedded in education, work, and decision making. However, guidance on how to think with these systems, rather than simply use them, remains limited.

This book aims to address that gap by:

• explaining how large language models function at a conceptual level
• clarifying what these systems can and cannot do
• supporting readers to engage with AI outputs critically and responsibly

The focus is on understanding, judgement, and appropriate use, rather than automation or productivity alone.

What the book covers

Understanding how LLMs work
An accessible explanation of the inner workings of large language models, without assuming prior technical knowledge.

Capabilities and limitations
Clear discussion of where systems such as ChatGPT perform well, and where they are unreliable or misleading.

Prompting as a thinking skill
An introduction to prompting as a structured way of interacting with AI, grounded in purpose and critical intent.

Hallucinations and misinformation
Guidance on recognising inaccurate or fabricated outputs, and assessing AI generated content cautiously.

Risk characterisation and mitigation
A framework for understanding different types of risks associated with LLM use, and practical ways to reduce them.

Ethical and regulatory context
Discussion of the broader ethical, educational, and regulatory questions surrounding generative AI.

Approach and style

• Fully illustrated, with approximately 45 diagrams and visual explanations
• Written for clarity rather than technical depth
• Focused on learning, reflection, and responsible engagement
• Grounded in education, research, and real world use cases

Relationship to StudyAnalyst

This book is an independently authored and published work by Dr Mo Hoque, and it informs the educational philosophy and frameworks used across StudyAnalyst.

StudyAnalyst does not operate as a commercial publishing house. The book is presented here as a foundational intellectual resource that supports our wider work in AI literacy and learning.

Access the book

The full commercial edition is available via Amazon.