Written answer
Artificial Intelligence
The Government is preparing students for AI through digital literacy curriculum reforms, the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, teacher guidance and resources, and an external advisory taskforce. The guidance is being updated, while international collaboration will inform further policy and any future strategy.
136. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Youth the national strategy being developed to prepare primary and post-primary students for the impact of artificial intelligence on education, employment and the skills required in the future economy. [74727/26]
Comment on this
The government’s updated National Digital and AI Strategy, www.gov.ie/en/department-of-the-taoiseach/campaigns/digital-ireland-connecting-our-people-securing-our-future/, sets out a clear vision and ambition to 2030. Foundational digital skills and digital literacy skills are the baseline essentials to engage fully and safely in a digital society, to navigate related changes, as well as for understanding how AI works, interpreting its outputs critically, and using it responsibly.
Curriculum frameworks at all levels, and national strategies such as the Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024-2033, are actively working towards ensuring learners acquire the digital literacy skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world. Curriculum reform currently underway across all levels seeks to ensure that learners gain the digital awareness, skills and critical understanding needed to engage effectively in an increasingly digital world. The Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024–2033 recognises that digital literacy is an essential competency for all learners in navigating today’s technology-driven world. It places a strong emphasis on developing learners’ critical thinking, problem-solving and digital skills, equipping them to recognise and respond to misinformation, disinformation, including AI-generated content.
The Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, sets out the Department’s policy regarding the embedding of digital technology in teaching, learning and assessment in primary and post-primary schools. Key to the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027 is that all learners are given the opportunity to use digital technologies in their learning to reach their full potential and provide them with the necessary digital skills needed for an increasingly digital world.
When combining innovation with the school system, it is critically important that teachers and school leaders make informed decisions on the potential use of AI and safeguard against potential risks. To support our teachers and school leaders in this important area, the Department of Education and Youth published its Guidance on AI in Schools in October of last year. It provides information on the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of AI as well as highlighting what should be taken into consideration when planning to use AI and that this is done in a safe, ethical and responsible manner. This guidance serves as an initial step toward the safe, effective and responsible use of AI in schools. It is currently being reviewed with the intention to publish an updated version shortly.
Extensive information and support for school leaders and teachers on AI in education can be found on the Oide TiE website at their dedicated AI hub. Webwise, the Irish Internet Safety Awareness Centre, offers a range of free lessons and resources for primary and post-primary educators across different topics including digital citizenship and digital media literacy. Lessons explore topics such as the role of algorithms, understanding Generative AI, supporting critical thinking, evaluating information online, and recognising mis/disinformation and deepfakes. Further information is available here: www.webwise.ie/teachers/resources/
To support the Department in the further development of a coherent national approach to the safe, responsible and effective use of AI across the school system at primary and post-primary level an AI in Schools AI External Advisory Taskforce has been established. It provides a structured forum for engagement with key stakeholders and expert advisers to consider the opportunities and challenges presented by AI in education and to inform the development of policy, guidance and supports, taking account of relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
My Department is also actively engaging with international best practice, drawing on UNESCO and EU guidelines. It is also participating in the EU Technical Support Instrument project “Futureproof Education Supporting Schools in the AI Evolution” with five other jurisdictions to support the development of strategies and tools for AI implementation in school education, providing guidance and tools to schools for ethical AI usage, enhancing digital literacy and inclusivity. This project will be implemented by UNESCO over a period of 24 months. This project will support the development of strategies and tools for AI implementation in school education, providing guidance and tools to schools for ethical AI usage, enhancing digital literacy and inclusivity. Its outputs will include an As Is analysis of the use of AI in schools as well as toolkits for teachers and school leaders.
Together, these initiatives will ensure that learners are critical thinkers capable of engaging responsibly and ethically in an evolving digital society and will help inform the possible development of any future strategy on preparing students for the impact of AI.