In Canada and globally, the rise of artificial intelligence is prompting the federal government to take action to ensure that Canadians are well-informed about AI, its capabilities, and its impact on society. To achieve this goal, the government has introduced the National AI Literacy Initiative, offering a free online course to educate post-secondary students, K-12 educators, and the public on the fundamentals of AI.
During an event in Edmonton, Minister of Artificial Intelligence Evan Solomon emphasized the importance of education in navigating technological advancements. The initiative’s primary focus is on investing in students, teachers, and the overall population to enhance AI literacy and understanding.
The government has allocated $13 million to develop three free courses in collaboration with the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMII), with plans to make them accessible to all Canadians. Participants can progress through the course modules at their own pace, with the post-secondary student course estimated to take around three hours to complete. These courses are self-paced and do not require instructor guidance.
The initial courses cater to educators and post-secondary students, set for release to educational institutions on Sept. 21. A course targeted at the general public will follow shortly after, prior to the end of the year. The government aims for these educational opportunities to empower Canadians to utilize AI effectively, critically evaluate its applications, and make informed decisions about its role in their lives.
Minister Solomon highlighted that the courses will address responsible AI use and skill-building, tailored for teachers and post-secondary students. The curriculum for students aims to foster a confident and responsible use of AI while enhancing foundational knowledge and employability skills.
The third course, titled Essentials for Canadians, will be accessible through Employment and Social Development Canada’s Job Bank and other community partners yet to be announced. This initiative seeks to equip Canadians with the necessary knowledge and confidence to participate in shaping the future of AI, building on Canada’s historical contributions to the field.
Overall, the National AI Literacy Initiative underscores the government’s commitment to promoting AI education and empowering Canadians to engage with and influence the evolving AI landscape.