Critical AI Literacy for Youth

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in students’ learning environments, the need for a deeper, more critical engagement with these technologies is becoming essential. This program is designed to support middle and high school students not only in using artificial intelligence tools, but also in understanding how they work, questioning the kinds of impact they produce, and developing a conscious relationship with them. Throughout the program, students engage with AI tools not merely as users, but as individuals who think critically, question, and make informed decisions. At the same time, they learn to maintain ownership of their thinking processes while collaborating with the AI as a tool to enhance their vision and creativity. Learning Focus The program is designed to develop students’ capacity to: - understand how AI systems function - critically evaluate AI-generated content - reflect on the ethical, social, and environmental implications of AI - make informed decisions about when and how to use AI - maintain ownership of their thinking and learning processes Pedagogical Approach The program is grounded in: - inquiry-based learning - participatory and experiential methodologies - collaborative learning environments Students are positioned as active learners who explore, question, experiment, and reflect. The learning process follows a cycle of: Experience → Analyze → Question → Reconstruct Program Structure • Duration: 4 weeks • Weekly: 2–3 hours • Age groups: 12–14 / 15–18 • Format: interactive, discussion-based, and experiential Why This Program Matters Rather than focusing solely on technical skills, this program addresses artificial intelligence as a complex socio-technical phenomenon, supporting students in becoming informed, critical, and responsible participants in a rapidly evolving digital world.