The Department of Education and Youth has unveiled the new Guidance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Schools, aimed at supporting teachers and school leaders in planning for AI integration in teaching and learning. It ensures AI is used safely, ethically, and appropriately.

Drawing from international best practices set by UNESCO and the European Union, the guidance, published alongside Oide Technology in Education (TiE), outlines key factors and resources to aid schools and teachers in integrating AI into teaching and learning. It also encourages informed decision-making on AI tools and practices in teaching and preparation.

The guidance includes examples of AI applications in schools. On the 21st of October, Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, welcomed the publication of the Guidance on AI in Schools. Minister McEntee said:

“AI has emerged as one of the more transformative digital technologies, with the potential to transform how we engage with technology across all aspects of our lives. It is essential that our school communities have access to the information needed to support them in understanding the opportunities it offers, as well as the challenges associated with its use”.

According to recent OECD studies on the Impact of Digital Technologies on Student Learning, digital tools can bolster teaching and learning when applied with a clear purpose. The importance of the teacher’s role is magnified, and focusing on their professional development, particularly in digital technologies and AI within education, is essential for continued progress.

In those lines, the new guidance is meant to be a dynamic document that will be continuously updated. Minister McEntee also stated that the Guidance on AI in Schools will be consistently reviewed and enhanced, taking into consideration national and international studies, evaluations, and input from educational stakeholders.

This will be one of the many supports and resources that teachers and school leaders interested in the use of AI can find in the Oide TiE AI Hub.

Source: Eurydice Unit Ireland