An AI competency framework
In response to a widespread lack of training and guidance on how to approach AI in education, UNESCO produced an AI competency framework for teachers in 2024. Their aim was to help teachers define the knowledge, skills and values they would need to develop in an era of AI. In turn, this would help to develop training programmes, focus resources and offer educators a way to understand and develop their own AI competencies.
The framework identifies 5 aspects that form the core of an approach to AI in education:
- Human-centred mindset – the exercise of human agency and accountability in the use, development and monitoring of AI to ensure equitable, responsible deployment. AI should strengthen and enhance human capabilities.
- Ethics of AI – the need for a critical approach that recognizes threats in the design of AI to inclusivity, human rights, social cohesion and privacy. Approaches should be ‘ethical by design.’
- AI foundations and applications – the need to develop new skills and knowledge in the use and application of AI, to develop AI literacy.
- AI pedagogy – the need to explore and develop understanding of how AI can assist and enhance teaching and learning.
- AI for professional learning – the need for continuous professional development, and iterative cycles of reflection on practice.
The framework describes how these core aspects can be developed through progression levels:
- Acquire
- Deepen
- Create
For example: in relation to the ‘ethics of AI,’ the level of acquire might equate to being aware of ethical issues and principles in relation to AI. The level of deepen might equate to demonstrating safe and responsible AI use. The level of create might equate to an activity such as co-creating ethical rules with students/colleagues.
Bite-sized Task
In this task, you will explore the UNESCO framework in more detail and consider how it relates to your own AI skills and knowledge.
Step 1 – learn
Look at this useful visual overview of the framework produced by educator, Stephen Taylor.
https://sjtylr.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/unesco-ai-competencies-for-teachers-sjtylr.png
Read the UNESCO framework for more detailed information on each core aspect.
Step 2 – do
Using the visual overview, give yourself a rating on each point/statement – 1 being low, 5 being high. Then consider these questions:
- What areas do you need to develop knowledge in?
- What have you begun doing already?
- Do you agree with every aspect here? Why/why not?
Step 3 – reflect
UNESCO has produced a similar competency framework for students that focuses on competencies and skills that students might need to be ‘responsible and creative’ users of AI.
Look at the AI competency framework for students and a similar visualization by Stephen Taylor. How might you build ways to develop these competencies in your students as part of your teaching?
Join the conversation
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Further links
UNESCO AI competency framework for teachers
UNESCO AI competency framework for students
The EU AI Act – a responsibility to develop AI literacy encoded in law
JISC Digital Capabilities tool – access this online tool to self-assess your digital capabilities including in AI
Contributor biography
Kate Borthwick is Professor of Digital Education in Languages, Cultures and Linguistics, in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. She is the Lead for AI in education at the University and chair of the University Digital Education Advisory Group.  She is Director of the University open online course programme and is an award-winning lecturer and learning designer.