AI and data literacy: key skills for the data-driven world

We look to education and training to equip individuals with the AI and data literacy skills needed to thrive. The updated European Digital Competence Framework (DigComp) emphasises the need for individuals to develop skills in searching for, evaluating and effectively managing digital information and data. This comprises an awareness that the data on which AI depends may include biases, and that AI algorithms might not only be configured to provide the information that the user wants, but may also convey a commercial or political message.

Digital skills as foundation

Digital skills are the foundation for understanding digital technologies and they enable AI and data literacy. For AI and data skills development, teaching and learning about informatics as a discipline is fundamental, especially in primary and secondary education. Informatics help us to understand the laws of the digital world, as science or maths do the physical world. If digital skills and competences are the key to unlocking our digital reality, informatics are the science that underpins these skills.

The Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027 sets out a common vision of high-quality, inclusive and accessible digital education in Europe to support Member States in adapting education and training systems to the digital age. The recently adopted Council Recommendations on key enabling factors for successful digital education and training and improving the provision of digital skills and competences in education and training illustrate Member States’ political commitments to addressing the digital divide with the help of mutual learning and exchanging best practices. Guidelines on informatics for teachers are being developed, which will include elements of AI.

Funding opportunities in AI and data literacy

In recent years, several Erasmus+ projects have addressed AI and data literacy in initiatives covering school education (TrainDL), higher education (DALICO), adult education (DALI) and young students (Dalfys). The number and variety of projects on AI and data literacy in education and training are indicative of their relevance.