Promoting AI Literacy Through the AI Citizenship Framework

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping every aspect of our lives, from how we access information to how we make decisions. For schools, the need to equip students with AI literacy has never been more urgent. Enter the AI Citizenship Framework, a practical and structured model designed to help school librarians lead the charge in preparing students for an AI-driven future.

The framework outlines five key components—AI Awareness, AI Familiarity, AI Literacy, Critical and Ethical AI Literacy, and AI Citizenship—each building on the previous. This sequential approach ensures that students progress from recognizing AI's presence in daily life to critically engaging with its societal impacts and participating in ethical discussions about its governance. By integrating these elements into existing curricula, school librarians empower students to become informed, responsible AI citizens.

With the scope and sequence provided in the framework, librarians can tailor lessons to different grade levels, offering age-appropriate objectives and activities. For instance, younger students might explore how AI tools like voice assistants function, while older students critically analyze AI's role in shaping privacy and equity. These practical steps make AI literacy accessible and actionable across K-12 settings.

Ultimately, the AI Citizenship Framework positions school librarians as leaders in fostering critical thinking and ethical engagement with AI. By adopting this model, educators can prepare students not just to navigate an AI-driven world but to shape it responsibly. Let’s ensure the next generation is ready to meet AI’s challenges and opportunities head-on.

Read the full article here https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-10-2024-0186