Rooted in Canada, Connected to the World
Tending the Global Garden: Harmonizing Innovation and Governance
Around the world, K–12 AI literacy is evolving through two complementary forces: national and internationally directed policy frameworks that establish clear guidance, and commercial tool ecosystems that drive daily AI productivity in classrooms.
Canada’s decentralized education system offers a uniquely adaptable model. By bridging world-class academic research with provincial and district autonomy, Canada creates an open environment where educators, school boards, and Ministries can integrate global best practices at a pace that fits their local communities.
The Canadian Approach: A Balanced Ecosystem
- Honours Educational Federalism: In Canada, provinces govern K–12 education. Our flexible, open-access course packages respect provincial and district autonomy while offering a unified, research-backed national baseline.
- Complements Global Toolkits with Foundational Understanding: Rather than focusing strictly on specific software interfaces, we deliver vendor-neutral AI literacy grounded in core machine learning principles, computer science, ethics, and human agency.
- Bridges Research with Educator Practice: Built on three years of direct co-creation with practicing K-12 educators, we translate complex AI concepts into professional development that empowers educators across humanities, fine arts, social studies, and STEM to understand, evaluate, and confidently navigate AI in their daily practice.
Crafted to Recognized Global and National Frameworks
The program aligns with national and international AI literacy frameworks to ensure rigour, ethical responsibility, and professional relevance. Faculty subject matter experts across the country co-develop materials through regular feedback cycles.
UNESCO AI Competency Framework for Students
- What it is: An international guide created by the United Nations to help students understand, use, and shape artificial intelligence ethically and safely.
- How we align: Our lessons cover UNESCO’s four main focus areas: building a human-centred mindset, understanding AI ethics, mastering core AI techniques, and exploring how AI systems are designed.
- Why it matters: Ensures every lesson puts human values, fairness, and safety first—helping Canadians become responsible digital citizens rather than passive users.
UNESCO. (2024). UNESCO AI competency framework for students. UNESCO Publishing. Download PDF
AILit Framework (OECD & European Commission)
- What it is: A global benchmark developed jointly by the OECD and the European Commission to define the core skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world.
- How we align: Our course follows the four AILit learning domains: engaging with AI, creating with digital tools, managing privacy and risks, and shaping tech in your community.
- Why it matters: Gives Canadians practical, real-world skills to evaluate online information, spot misinformation, and use technology with confidence.
OECD & European Union. (2026). Empowering learners for the age of AI: An AI literacy framework for primary and secondary education. OECD Publishing. Download PDF
Canada’s Skills for Success
- What it is: The Government of Canada’s official framework defining the essential workplace and foundational skills needed in today’s economy.
- How we align: Every chapter directly builds key Skills for Success competencies, including Digital Skills, Adaptability, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, and Communication.
- Why it matters: Connects AI literacy directly to career growth and everyday problem-solving, helping workers, job seekers, and students adapt as jobs change across Canada.
Kaufmann, L., Lee, W., Nguyen, C., & Palameta, B. (2024). Skills for Success proficiency levels development: Final report. Social Research and Demonstration Corporation. Download PDF
Canada’s CanCode Partner Network & Best Practices
- What it is: A national ecosystem of leading educational organizations funded through ISED Canada’s CanCode initiative, which has elevated K–12 digital skills and STEM literacy across Canada for nearly a decade.
- How we align: Our content builds upon the field-tested pedagogical frameworks, computational thinking tools, and inclusive learning practices co-created across this trusted partner network.
- Why it matters: Grounding our learning pathways in proven, nationwide educational expertise ensures digital literacy tools are practical, effective, and tailored for Canadian classrooms and communities. Essentials for Educators is a “yes, and” approach that complements and supports the amazing CanCode programs for teachers and children in communities across the country.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. (2024). Evaluation of the CanCode program. Government of Canada. Download PDF
Deep Roots, Proven Impact: Amii’s Leadership
National Reach & Impact
As one of Canada’s three National AI Institutes, Amii (Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute) has spent over two decades cultivating world-class research and practical AI understanding.
Our K-12 literacy programs are built on years of direct engagement and measurable success in Canadian classrooms.
6,000+
Educators trained — building foundational AI confidence across urban, rural, and remote schools1,000+ / 90+
Schools & school boards actively integrating research-backed literacy resources into daily practice179,000+
Students impacted — learning in environments led by confident, AI-literate educators