The OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) will launch a new domain in 2029 focused on Media and Artificial Intelligence Literacy (MAIL). This innovative assessment aims to evaluate whether 15-year-old students worldwide possess the competencies needed to navigate, assess, and engage with digital and AI-mediated content responsibly and effectively.
As students increasingly rely on digital tools for learning, communication, and civic participation, MAIL seeks to understand how well they can critically evaluate media content, interact ethically with AI, and make informed decisions in a complex digital landscape. The assessment will simulate realistic online environments, including social media and generative AI tools, to test students’ skills in evaluating credibility, understanding ethical implications, and collaborating online.
The growing integration of digital technologies into daily life offers opportunities for expression and engagement, but also poses challenges, such as misinformation, plagiarism, and biased content. These challenges are amplified by the rapid rise of AI, making media and AI literacy a crucial educational priority.
PISA 2029’s MAIL domain will support countries in developing and evaluating education strategies that foster critical digital skills. The results will offer valuable insights into global efforts to equip young people with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving, AI-driven world.
