“Some technologies you adopt, and some arrive, and you sort of have to adapt.” – Eamon Costello
“Some technologies you adopt, and some arrive, and you sort of have to adapt.”
– Eamon Costello
The latest episode of ADAPT Radio explores the rapid transformation AI is bringing to education and how teachers can navigate these changes effectively. With AI increasingly shaping classrooms worldwide, educators face both technical and ethical challenges in integrating these tools while maintaining effective learning environments. This episode explores the AI Literacy in the Classroom initiative, a program designed to equip teachers with the necessary skills to understand and use AI responsibly.
Laura Grehan, Head of Education, Engagement and Societal Impact at ADAPT, and Dr. Eamon Costello, Associate Professor of Digital Learning at Dublin City University, join the discussion to provide insight into the initiative. Grehan highlights the growing concerns among educators about the lack of guidance on AI use, particularly with generative AI. The initiative aims to address these gaps by providing targeted training and resources, ensuring both teachers and students can engage with AI critically and ethically.
The AI Literacy in the Classroom initiative was developed with the teacher advisory panel to ensure practical relevance. Since its launch in October last year, over 250 post-primary educators have participated in workshops or completed a self-led online course through the project website. Google has also provided crucial funding for the project, allowing it to expand its reach. The program includes a 90-minute course and in-person workshops, covering AI fundamentals, ethics, and hands-on activities. One practical example, to bring to the classroom, involves students comparing their own written work with AI-generated essays, fostering discussions on AI’s impact on learning.
Teachers participating in the program report that they are better equipped to explain AI principles and assess the benefits and risks of AI tools. The initiative aims not only to improve AI literacy among educators but also to empower students to use AI responsibly. Those interested in joining can visit the ADAPT website or register for upcoming workshops, with the next session scheduled for 22nd March at the Sligo Education Centre.
Listen to this month’s ADAPT Radio podcast to explore how AI is reshaping education and how teachers can stay ahead in this evolving landscape here or wherever you get your podcasts.
