AI Literacy in the Classroom is a national training initiative designed to enhance post-primary teachers’ AI literacy skills and empower them to guide students in the safe, informed and ethical use of AI.

Developed in response to a skills and training gap for critical AI literacy identified by Oide [1] and other European education leaders [2], the programme was launched in October 2024 with support from Google. It is led by AI literacy and ethics experts from the Research Ireland ADAPT Centre, Dublin City University, and partner institutions.

Created with teachers for teachers, AI Literacy in the Classroom combines half-day, in-person workshops at education centres across Ireland with a free, 90-minute self-led online course available via the initiative’s website www.adaptcentre.ie/ai-literacy-in-the-classroom. The online course comprises two modules – AI Literacy, and AI Ethics – and provides educators with expert insights and access to short activities designed to help them explore ethical AI with their students.

The initiative has already trained 340 post-primary educators, significantly boosting their understanding and confidence around AI. Evaluation data show 96% of participants reported an improved ability to explain AI principles and ethics, 92% felt more confident discussing AI with students, and 97% would recommend the workshops to colleagues. Online course feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants describing it as “informative,” “accessible,” and “engaging.”

This presentation will share insights and lessons from the programme’s first phase, including participant feedback and emerging priorities and plans for future training provision.

[1] National professional development service for teachers and school leaders, established under the Department of Education of Ireland

[1] Navigating the Future of Education (2024). Better Internet for Kids. European Commission. https://better-internet-for-kids.europa.eu/en/news/navigating-future-education-educators-insights-ai-integration-and-challenges-greece-hungary