AI for Schools

At the end of this course, you should be able to:

• Outline the key policies relating to AI in education
• Identify current uses of AI in everyday life
• Describe the fundamental concepts of AI
• Outline key considerations for the use of AI in schools
• Describe potential benefits and risks for the use of AI in schools
• Identify resources to support professional learning in AI for teachers.

This is a highly interactive course with expert video inputs which provide insights into how schools are already engaging with AI and the wider context of AI developments. The course also signposts a wide range of further materials and resources on the topic of AI in education.

Specifically, the course contains expert contributions from the Adapt Centre and the AI4T project, as well as contributions from colleagues in Oide Technology in Education and resources on the safe use of AI from Webwise. Other key resources include the Teaching AI project from DCU’s Insight Centre and the Centre for Data Analytics, Adapt Centre lessons for primary and post primary students, the EU Ethical Guidelines and UNESCO Guidance for Generative AI in Education and Research.

The course content will be added to regularly to reflect the latest developments in AI and relevant resources available for schools.

There are two modules in the course:

1. The Basics of AI

This module introduces and explains what AI is, including key terminology, such as Generative AI, made popular by such tools as ChatGPT, Co-Pilot and Gemini. It also provides the policy context for AI in education, highlighting relevant policies and guidelines.

2. AI Considerations for Schools

The second module explores the ethical considerations in the use of AI in a school setting, drawing on key documents, such as the EU Ethical Guidelines for Schools as well as UNESCO’s Guidance for Generative AI in Education and Research. This module also provides a framework for planning for AI use in the context of the Digital Learning Plan.

Device: A laptop, desktop pc or tablet* with the latest version of Chrome, Firefox or Safari installed. A good broadband internet connection is essential.

*Most tablet devices work well with our course software, but some older devices may not be compatible. Please do not use a smartphone to complete the course.

Software/Apps: While this course is free, the content includes examples of many apps and software titles for the purposes of illustration, some of which involve a cost.

NB: Participants need to access a third-party application – without needing to login – as part of the course. Please be aware of this application’s terms of service and privacy policies, as follows: Slido privacy and security information.

Digital Learning Framework

This course maps to the Teaching & Learning (Domains 1, 3 and 4) and the Leadership & Management (Domains 1, 2 and 4) dimensions of the Digital Learning Framework.

For more information visit the DL planning website.

DigCompEdu Competences

The course maps to the DigCompEdu Competency Framework for educators, in particular Area 1: Professional Engagement; Area 2: Digital Resources; Area 3: Teaching and Learning and Area 6: Facilitating Learners’ Digital Competence.

For more information visit the DigCompEdu website

A course certificate is provided upon completion of this course.

You may be able to consider this course for Croke Park hours, subject to school management approval, particularly in relation to up to ten ‘Croke Park’ hours that may be allowed for potential individual/small group use (Circular 0042/2016 Primary and Circular 045/2016 Post Primary).