International Coalition Releases AI Literacy Framework to Guide Education in Schools

International Experts Introduce AILit Framework for AI Education

The European Commission and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have released a draft framework aimed at teaching artificial intelligence (AI) literacy in primary and secondary schools. Developed with input from Code.org and experts across seven countries including the United States, this 43-page document outlines essential technical skills, human capabilities, and ethical considerations for students growing up in an AI-influenced world.

Before final publication next year in 24 languages, educators and stakeholders are encouraged to review and provide feedback on the framework.

Three Core Themes of AI Literacy

The framework identifies three main themes central to AI education:

• Technical Knowledge: Students should understand how AI and machine learning operate, including the roles of data, probabilities, and inputs. This foundation helps clarify AI’s strengths and limitations.
• Human Skills: Critical thinking and computational thinking are key. The latter extends beyond computer science classrooms as students face technological challenges in daily life.
• Ethical Considerations: Ethics is treated as a core skill, not an optional topic. Lessons should encourage students to critically assess how AI training data is collected and how algorithms can unintentionally perpetuate bias or unfairness.

The Four Domains of AI Literacy

The framework organizes AI literacy into four distinct domains, each with targeted lesson suggestions for both primary and secondary students.

Engaging with AI

This domain focuses on knowing where and how to use AI technologies, as well as evaluating the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated outputs. For example, younger students might explore counting patterns and how AI predicts sequences, while older students analyze how social media algorithms can spread misinformation.

Creating with AI

Lessons here cover how to interact with AI creatively, including prompt crafting, feedback, and understanding content ownership. Primary students might compare human and AI-generated art to discuss expression versus pattern-based creation.

Managing AI

Students learn to decide when and how to use AI effectively. Activities might involve evaluating the pros and cons of using AI for specific tasks—like writing a birthday card—to understand AI’s appropriate roles.

Designing AI

This domain encourages building confidence to influence AI development positively. Secondary students could explore how AI might recommend after-school activities, considering what data is needed, how the recommendations work, and where human judgment fits in.

One expert involved in the framework noted that students don’t need to become AI engineers to contribute meaningfully. Simple, age-appropriate activities can help students realize they can shape technology rather than just adapt to it.

Educators looking to deepen their understanding of AI literacy and integrate these principles into their teaching may find additional resources and courses on Complete AI Training.