New AI Literacy Framework emphasises: AI literacy should be structurally embedded in education

The European Commission and the OECD have launched the new AI Literacy Framework for Primary and Secondary Education. The framework helps schools, teachers, policymakers, education leaders, curriculum developers, and parents to concretely shape AI literacy in primary and secondary education.

The core message is clear: AI literacy is not just about learning to use AI tools. It is mainly about understanding how AI systems work, being able to critically assess the opportunities and risks, and learning to use AI in a responsible, creative, and ethical manner. According to the framework, young people need guidance to maintain control over the role AI plays in learning, creating, and communicating.

The framework operates with four domains: Engage with AI, Create with AI, Manage AI, and Shape AI. This shifts the focus from isolated tool skills to broader competencies: understanding AI, being able to work with it, learning to manage it, and learning to influence how AI shapes our society and education.

Notably, the framework is not intended solely for teachers. School leaders, policymakers, designers of learning materials, and parents are also explicitly mentioned. This is important, because AI literacy cannot remain dependent on a few enthusiastic teachers. It requires a shared language, clear frameworks, and structural embedding in the curriculum.

The AILit Framework has been developed as a joint effort by the European Commission and the OECD, with support from CodeAI and international experts. It aligns with European goals regarding digital skills and inclusive education, and also contributes to the innovative domain of the PISA 2029 assessment on media and AI literacy.

This is a relevant signal for Dutch schools. AI is no longer just a separate innovation, but part of pupils’ everyday lives. The question is therefore no longer whether education should do something with AI, but how we can deploy AI so that pupils learn to think, research, reflect, and take responsibility.

At CivAI, we see this as confirmation of what we are building with EduGPT and AI Literacy Companion: AI not as a quick answer machine, but as a safe, human-centred, and pedagogically embedded companion that strengthens AI literacy.

Read more: https://ailiteracyframework.org/