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From digital literacy to AI mastery 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education and redefining digital literacy − bringing new tools, challenges and opportunities into the classroom.
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Artificial intelligence ABC  

The first step into AI literacy is to understand what AI is and how it can affect learning in schools and education systems. Most fundamentally, AI should be used to enhance teaching and learning, not replace it.   

AI in education means making use of technologies that can analyse data, adapt to learner needs and automate assessment tasks, and can come in forms ranging from chatbots to personalised learning platforms.  

AI literacy cannot exist without strong digital foundations for both teachers and pupils. , meaning that pupils must first understand the digital ecosystems in which AI operates before they can critically engage with AI-based tools. 

To start this journey, the (available in English, Finnish and Swedish) offers clear explanations, lesson activities and critical thinking prompts that help educators explore what AI is, where it is used and what its limitations are.  

 

AI in the classroom 

When used appropriately, AI tools can help optimise time spent on lesson planning, content creation/customisation, classroom management and assessment. AI-based tools are currently multiplying rapidly, so choosing a tool can feel difficult. Teachers can begin with (from the DALI4US project) or test out a tool suited to their needs, such as:  

  • Adaptive learning platforms can help adjust adjust maths problems by learner performance
  • Automated feedback tools can help learners with writing and  provide live grammar and style feedback
  • Accessibility tools available online that can read text aloud or live-transcribe 

In this video a teacher explains how he uses AI to support teaching and learning in a large rural school, St. Mary’s National School in Ireland. 

 

 

Safety and ethical use of AI first  

As does any new technology, the use of AI raises ethical questions – about data use and protection and online safety, among many others.  

To ensure safe and ethical application of AI in education, schools must consider several crucial elements.  

  • Data privacy: only use tools compliant with and avoid apps that store learner data without consent
  • Bias in AI: discuss with pupils how AI can amplify human prejudices, which can reinforce stereotypes and lead to discrimination or reduced inclusion.
  • Critical thinking: assess the outputs and understand the limitations of, and avoid overreliance on, AI tools.  

The help to address these ethical questions (and more). 

 

Professional growth and support  

AI literacy is an ongoing process, and AI learning resources are available for teachers to gain independent knowledge. Teachers are also welcome to join the eTwinning featured group on digital skills for pupils and teachers, to engage in discussions and exchange ideas and practices with your peers.  

Online courses (self-paced) 

Webinars 

 

Further reading

Additional information

  • Education type:
    School Education
  • Target audience:
    Teacher
    Student Teacher
    Head Teacher / Principal
    ICT Coordinator
    Teacher Educator
    Government / policy maker
  • Target audience ISCED:
    Primary education (ISCED 1)
    Lower secondary education (ISCED 2)
    Upper secondary education (ISCED 3)

About the authors

Editorial team

The European School Education Platform editorial team is made up of writers with wide-ranging experience in school education, communication and online media. The team works closely with the European Commission to publish editorial content on current issues in European school education and news from the eTwinning community.