What you need to know about UNESCO's new AI competency frameworks for students and teachers

Why is UNESCO focusing on AI separately from other digital technologies in education?

AI is distinct from other digital technologies due to its potential to profoundly reshape societies, economies and education systems. Unlike conventional information and communication technologies (ICTs), AI poses unique ethical and social challenges, such as issues of fairness, transparency, privacy and accountability. Additionally, AI's unique ability to mimic human behavior directly impacts human agency. These challenges require dedicated competencies beyond the scope of traditional digital literacy.

While UNESCO has provided guidance on digital competencies for many years, the new AI competency frameworks are tailored to address the specific nuances of AI. They emphasize a human-centred approach to AI education, promoting critical thinking, ethical considerations and responsible use of AI technologies.

Why are the AI competency frameworks important for countries?

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into all aspects of society, education systems worldwide are struggling to keep up. UNESCO's data from 2021 shows that only about 15 of its Member States have begun to develop AI curricula for school education. The frameworks provide a much-needed roadmap for countries to develop AI education strategies that are ethically informed, inclusive, adaptable and forward-looking.

By helping students and teachers understand AI's potential and limitations, these frameworks aim to empower them to use AI responsibly and thoughtfully, ensuring that AI contributes positively to society and the environment.

What is UNESCO's approach to AI in education?

UNESCO takes a human-centred approach to AI in education, emphasizing the enhancement of human capabilities and the promotion of social justice, sustainability and human dignity. This aligns with the principles outlined in UNESCO's guidance on generative AI in education and research as well as the 2021 Recommendations on the ethics of Artificial Intelligenceand the 2019 Beijing consensus on Artificial Intelligence and education.

The new frameworks stress that AI should support human decision-making and intellectual development, rather than undermine or replace it. They also highlight the importance of respecting human rights and cultural diversity in the design and use of AI technologies.

What are the key elements of the AI competency framework for students?

The AI competency framework for studentsis designed to guide policy-makers, educators and curriculum developers in equipping students with the necessary skills, knowledge and values to engage with AI effectively. It focuses on four core competencies:

• A human-centred mindset: Encouraging students to understand and assert their agency in relation to AI.
• Ethics of AI: Teaching responsible use, ethics-by-design and safe practices.
• AI techniques and applications: Providing foundational AI knowledge and skills.
• AI system design: Fostering problem-solving, creativity and design thinking.

The framework encourages integrating AI-related topics into core subjects across the curriculum, emphasizing interdisciplinary learning in both STEM and the social studies.

AI competency framework for students

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What does the AI competency framework for teachers cover?

The AI competency framework for teachersis focused on lifelong professional development for teachers, offering a reference framework for national competency development and training programmes. It aims to ensure that teachers are equipped to use AI responsibly and effectively while minimizing potential risks to students and society. The five key competency areas are:

• A human-centred mindset: Focusing on human agency, accountability and social responsibility.
• Ethics of AI: Promoting ethical principles and responsible use.
• AI foundations and applications: Providing the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to create and use AI.
• AI pedagogy: Supporting teachers in leveraging AI for innovative teaching methods.
• AI for professional development: Outlining teachers' capacities to leverage AI for driving their own lifelong professional development.

The framework emphasizes that AI tools should complement, not replace, the vital roles and responsibilities of teachers in education.

AI competency framework for teachers

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What are UNESCO's broader policy recommendations for AI in education?

UNESCO recommends that AI competency frameworks for students and teachers be integrated into a comprehensive strategy for AI capacity building across all educational levels. This includes ensuring universal access to the internet, enforcing ethical design principles for AI tools, and promoting environmentally-friendly AI practices.

UNESCO also warns against over-reliance on AI in addressing systemic issues in education, such as teacher shortages and infrastructure inadequacies, which require sustained policy attention and investment.

As AI continues to shape our future, UNESCO's new frameworks provide critical guidance for preparing students and teachers to navigate this landscape. These frameworks represent a call to action for countries to develop national AI strategies that are ethical, inclusive, and aligned with human-centered values.

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