Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving huge technological and societal change. Surgeons have begun using AI-powered robotic assistants to perform precise surgeries. AI-driven robots manage assembly lines. Some farmers fly AI-powered drones to monitor crop health and apply fertilisers precisely. In our everyday lives, AI has already become a widely used tool for learning, organisation, and recommendations. We can ask chatbots questions, see recommended content on social media, and receive instantaneous translations generated by AI. In the years to come, autonomous machinery and AI-powered personalization will become even more widely adopted.
In the sphere of education, too, AI tools are supporting teachers and students through interactive and personalized learning opportunities. And still, few education systems prepare students to engage deeply with AI, and to understand how to use AI safely. This gap could leave future generations underprepared for the challenges and opportunities of an even more rapidly changing digital economy and world.
Integrating AI literacy
To address this need, the OECD and the European Commission are joining forces to develop an AI Literacy framework. This framework will outline the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will adequately prepare students in primary and secondary education. The framework’s development is supported by Code.org and leading international experts. The initiative will also provide the foundation for the first assessment of AI Literacy in the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and support the EU’s goals to promote quality and inclusive digital education and skills.
At its heart is the integration of AI literacy across school subjects. This includes teaching students to use AI tools as well as how to co-create with them and reflect on responsible and ethical use. The framework is designed to engage educators and school leaders and will deepen learning in subjects that are essential for AI literacy, such as statistics, social science, and computer science. For example:
- In mathematics, the study of statistics and probability easily lends itself to understanding how AI data models work.
- In history and social sciences, lessons can be enriched by discussing the validity of sources as well as the societal and ethical impacts of AI technologies.
- In computer science, students might apply responsible and ethical design principles when training AI models.
The above examples demonstrate the framework is about more than just teaching technical know-how. The framework outlines ways to foster critical thinking, creativity and the examination of the ethical implications of AI, while encouraging innovative use. While AI can handle many tasks, human ingenuity and social and emotional abilities remain irreplaceable. The framework will ensure that students understand the potential biases and ethical dilemmas associated with AI technologies.
By using this new AI literacy framework, educators will be able to better assess students’ understanding of AI, as well as broader issues like privacy concerns and digital citizenship with clear, measurable benchmarks. The goal is to enable all students and teachers to understand, evaluate and use AI tools and systems effectively and ethically, while cultivating a well-rounded set of skills and attitudes. Students will be prepared not only for academic success but also for active, well-informed participation in an AI-driven, digitally evolving society.
Get involved now
A draft of the AI Literacy framework was released on May 22, 2025. The draft can be downloaded on ailiteracyframework.org, in the spirit of it being available to educators, policymakers, and the broader community to use and give their feedback. This consultation process will ensure the framework delivers the most relevant and helpful competencies while meeting the needs of diverse educational systems. The final version will be released in 2026 and will include high-quality examples. This will give educators immediate, actionable steps to integrate AI literacy into their teaching practices.
To learn more about how you can engage with the project, please watch our draft launch webinar featuring education stakeholders and experts from the European Commission, the OECD, and Code.org.
Blog originally written by Andreas Schleicher, OECD Director of Education and Skills.
Originally published on https://oecdedutoday.com/new-ai-literacy-framework-to-equip-youth-in-an-age-of-ai/