Canada and other countries are experiencing a surge in the growth of artificial intelligence (AI). The government is taking steps to ensure that Canadians have a clear understanding of AI, its capabilities, and its implications for society.
In response to this, the National AI Literacy Initiative is being introduced. This initiative aims to offer a free online course to post-secondary students, K-12 educators, and the general public to educate them on the fundamentals of AI.
During the launch event in Edmonton, Minister of Artificial Intelligence Evan Solomon emphasized the importance of education in navigating through times of change and innovation. He stated, “Investing in students, teachers, and the public’s education and literacy is crucial as we embark on our AI strategy.”
Solomon highlighted the government’s commitment to developing AI technology with a focus on benefiting people and ensuring that AI serves humanity.
The government is allocating $13 million in funding to collaborate with the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMII) in offering three free courses. These courses, designed for self-paced learning, are estimated to require approximately three hours to complete.
Notably, the courses do not involve direct instruction from an educator. The initial two courses cater to educators and post-secondary students, set to be accessible to educational institutions starting on September 21. The third course, intended for all Canadians, will be available later in the year.
A government statement highlighted that these courses aim to equip Canadians with the confidence to utilize AI effectively, the critical thinking skills to question its applications, and the knowledge to make informed decisions about AI usage in their lives.
Minister Emphasizes Responsible AI Use and Skill Development
The course for educators will offer practical training and resources for K-12 teachers, with additional content to be released gradually. The program for post-secondary students focuses on fostering a comprehensive understanding of AI, promoting responsible use, and enhancing workplace readiness skills.
The third course, named Essentials for Canadians, will be accessible through the national Training Finder on the Job Bank website of Employment and Social Development Canada and other community partners to be announced.
In a statement, Minister Solomon expressed the importance of equipping Canadians with the knowledge and confidence to shape the future of AI, building on Canada’s legacy in AI innovation.
