What Is AI Literacy And Why It Matters

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AI literacy refers to the knowledge, skills, and critical understanding a student needs to effectively and responsibly engage with technologies based on artificial intelligence (AI). It is similar to digital or social media literacy but focused on AI-driven systems. AI literacy helps students understand how AI works, how it is used, and its impact on individuals and society.

AI is the ability of computer programs to do tasks that normally require human intelligence. We interact with AI-powered technologies in our everyday life, like smart speakers, facial recognition systems, e-commerce websites, and many more. Just like we use our brains to think and solve problems, AI uses computer algorithms to “think” and solve problems, too, but based on data. It is important for children to understand what goes on “under the hood” of the computer when engaging with AI, like how machines learn patterns from data and how AI models make predictions, because it helps demystify AI and builds the groundwork for a fact-based understanding. 

It is important for children to understand what goes on “under the hood” of the computer when engaging with AI, like how machines learn patterns from data and how AI models make predictions, because it helps demystify AI and builds the groundwork for a fact-based understanding.

Developing AI literacy is also important for children because it helps them become informed users of the technology they interact with daily. When they know how AI works and where it is being used, children can make better decisions about how they use it and how much they can trust it. Asking important questions like “Does this AI output make sense?”, “How is my personal data being used?” or “Can AI think creatively like humans?” enables children to become critical thinkers of AI. Instead of passively accepting AI-generated results, children should learn to analyze and evaluate them. Most importantly, as AI becomes increasingly integrated into every industry and aspect of life, having a foundational understanding ensures that we are prepared to engage meaningfully in a world shaped by AI, whether as students, workers, or citizens.