AI-Ready

Youth in Canada are using AI every single day – from algorithms that determine their social media feeds to recommendations of music on Spotify. But do they understand how it works? Do they know the ethical challenges of AI, like misinformation, bias and environmental impact? And are they equipped to lead in navigating these challenges?

According to young people, the answer is yes. However, their educators disagree. Youth are more confident in their AI abilities than their educators believe them to be. A large majority of youth (71%)  say they know how to use AI effectively, while only 38% of educators agree. Similarly, 73% of youth believe they use AI responsibly, while only  36% of educators agree.   

Youth may be overly confident in their abilities, but the good news is, they are eager to learn more. In fact, 84% said they have more to learn about AI.

AI skills are no longer optional; they are essential for future career success. Equipping Canadian youth with AI skills unlocks high-demand career opportunities and strengthens Canada’s global innovation leadership. 

This isn’t just an opinion; it’s a consensus. Educators, parents and youth resoundingly agree:

Artificial intelligence is affecting every sector, from healthcare to finance to manufacturing. Young people need a variety of skills to thrive in this environment. This includes digital skills, a clear understanding of AI and how it works, and an awareness of AI’s impact and challenges. Without these skills, they will face hurdles in accessing future jobs and becoming leaders in an AI-driven world.

Actua’s programming recognizes that AI skills aren’t narrowly technical. We aim to develop critical thinking, problem-solving and ethical decision-making abilities that are indispensable across all professions.  

Investing in youth AI skills training is an investment in economic growth, responsible innovation, and Canada’s ability to compete on the world stage.

Teachers and educators play a vital role in helping Canadian youth become AI-ready, but currently, many teachers are ill-equipped. Less than half say they are confident in their ability to teach effective and responsible AI use to their students. 

But they are eager to learn, with 78% saying there is room for them to improve their skills to use and teach AI.

While students (61 per cent) and parents/caregivers (51 per cent) are optimistic about the benefits of AI in education, educators show more caution, with only 44 per cent saying they believe AI will be more beneficial than harmful in education. This is compounded by the challenges educators report in learning about AI: a lack of resources (65 per cent), insufficient professional development (56 per cent), and limited personal knowledge (55 per cent). This data highlights a need to address the challenges educators are experiencing.

Teacher training is a critical part of Actua’s efforts to build an AI-ready generation. We will provide educators with training, resources and lesson plans that they can implement in their classrooms. In addition to improving their skills to teach AI, it will also boost their confidence and comfort using artificial intelligence in education.

Actua is laying the foundation for responsible AI leadership in Canada, and that work starts today. 

Educators, parents and caregivers have significant concerns about the potential risks of AI in education, while youth, although still acknowledging these risks, tend to be less worried. 

Key concerns include:

Building a responsible and equitable AI future requires more than just technical skills. Our comprehensive AI approach integrates cyber safety and ethical understanding into our training, empowering youth to critically evaluate AI systems and their impact.

Actua and its network will deliver comprehensive and innovative AI training through hands-on workshops, summer camps, after-school programs, and impactful special events, reaching youth in every province and territory in Canada.  We will also provide resources to help educators and parents introduce AI concepts to youth of any age.

Find an Actua network member near you for youth opportunities and teacher training.

Actua’s nationwide training initiative, fueled by strategic collaboration with Microsoft Canada and the generous support of the Government of Canada’s CanCode 4.0 program, is a pivotal step in building Canada’s AI-ready future.