Abstract

The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI), especially large language models like ChatGPT, has created significant interest in higher education. Therefore, educators now must teach students new skills as part of a curriculum grounded in AI-enhanced literacy. One of the skills needed to interact with ChatGPT is prompt engineering, which is part of a larger field known as conversation design. Career paths in conversation design require aptitude with language and writing skills, making these careers ideal for English majors. A class in conversation design for undergraduate English majors takes a scaffolded approach, starting with teaching basic conversation design skills to students so they can first create their rule-based chatbot without AI. Students then learn design skills for an AI-enhanced voice assistant (Alexa). Finally, students engage in prompt engineering with ChatGPT. The purpose of this approach is to provide students with an understanding of how to communicate with generative AI and develop skills for the new workplace.