The Scaffolded AI Literacy (SAIL) Framework for Education

Preparing learners at all levels to engage constructively with Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

This report introduces an Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy framework developed by a research team from The University of Canterbury, academyEX, and AUT.
The Scaffolded AI Literacy (SAIL) framework was developed from a Delphi Study of 17 experts in AI from Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas, with representatives from both education and industry, and cultural experts.
The framework has four levels of capability. Three define AI literacy, with an additional level that indicates what further capabilities come beyond AI literacy.

• Know and Understand AI
• Use and Apply AI
• Evaluate and Create AI
• + Beyond AI Literacy

These levels are not age and stage based. Rather, they provide a scaffolded pathway though levels of competency for all learners.
At each level, there are six categories of AI literacy

• The Impacts of AI
• What AI Is and How It Works
• Cognitive Skills
• Applied Skills
• Social, Cultural, and Ethical Issues
• Risks and Mitigations

In addition to detailing the SAIL framework, this report provides illustrative examples of learning activities that can be applied at the three main levels of AI literacy, taking account of different learner audiences.
The report also includes information about an online tool that has been developed to help educators evaluate or design course materials that address level 1 of the framework.