Digitaler Dialog, Menschliche Gestaltung – Eine virtuelle Kunstgalerie als Schule der Vernunft. Wie aufgeklärte Medienpädagogik mit AI Literacy verknüpft werden kann.

„Have the courage to use your own intellect!” (Kant 1968) – Kants motto became an important signpost of the Enlightenment in 1784 and some 240 years later it is experiencing a renaissance in the course of enlightened media education. In view of the rapid developments in generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), Kant’s call seems more relevant than ever. Although AI is capable of generating text, it requires a competent and critical review of the output. This paper describes an integration of generative AI into the school context from the perspective of enlightened media education. Beginning with an introduction to generative AI, the work emphasizes the importance of reflexive engagement with new technologies. The discussion ranges from technical aspects of AI to social and ethical implications of AI output. Furthermore, a roadmap for the creation of a project-based lesson on generative AI with generative AI is described, presenting a work assignment that encourages students to create individual AI-generated artworks and place them in a critical context. The teamwork and presentation of the resulting artworks are manifested through a virtual art gallery. This hands-on approach not only introduces students to the technology of generative AI, but also encourages them to sharpen their media literacy and critical awareness. The paper concludes with a reflection on the process, as well as implications for media education practice and possible directions for future research.