On Saturday, January 25th, a dynamic group of post-primary educators and school leaders gathered at the Galway Education Support Centre to complete ADAPT’s ‘AI Literacy in the Classroom’ training workshop. Led by specialists from ADAPT and Dublin City University (DCU), the workshop was designed to deepen teachers’ understanding of AI. Supported by Google, this initiative equips educators with hands-on tools and resources to effectively teach AI concepts, fostering safe, ethical, and informed AI use among students.
Dr. Eileen Culloty from DCU’s Institute for Media, Democracy, and Society started the session with an engaging introduction to AI fundamentals. She debunked common myths, clarified core principles, and highlighted the critical need for AI literacy as technology becomes more embedded in students’ everyday experiences. Her insightful presentation laid the groundwork for exploring how AI can both enrich education and necessitate thoughtful, balanced integration.
In a collaborative session with Dr. Eamon Costello from DCU’s Institute of Education, the focus shifted to AI ethics tailored to post-primary contexts. The discussion prompted educators to critically evaluate the societal and moral dimensions of AI in classrooms. Through relatable, real-world examples, they highlighted the influence of AI tools on young minds and emphasised the importance of ethical, responsible AI practices to support student growth and academic integrity.
Dr. Costello further led an interactive breakout session centered on crafting and implementing AI policies within schools. Participants shared experiences from their educational settings, discussing strategies for responsibly integrating AI while balancing its benefits and challenges. The session emphasised the value of inclusive policy development, encouraging input from teachers, administrators, students, and parents to create thoughtful, comprehensive AI guidelines. Dr. Costello underscored that robust policies should cultivate critical thinking, inspire meaningful tech engagement, and promote a collaborative approach to AI governance.
By the workshop’s conclusion, attendees reported a heightened understanding of AI’s role in education, an enriched perspective on ethical considerations, and practical strategies for classroom integration. They also gained essential knowledge to support the development of responsible AI policies within their schools.
This Galway workshop is part of a comprehensive four-part series aimed at boosting AI literacy among educators across Ireland. The series continues with upcoming sessions in Cork and Sligo scheduled for March 2025. For more details, educators can visit the AI Literacy in the Classroom website, which also offers a 90-minute self-led online course to complement the in-person workshops.