Despite the increasing need for educators to have a basic understanding of AI and data literacy to engage positively, critically, and ethically with these technologies and to exploit their full potential for professional development, many primary school teachers lack this foundational knowledge. The main objective of the project was to enhance understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with the responsible and interdisciplinary use of AI-driven tools in primary education. By addressing this, the project aimed to improve the digital literacy of all primary school teachers, including those with limited STEM experience, through targeted training and tools to implement AI-driven pedagogy. This approach enabled teachers to engage ethically and effectively with AI technologies, work more effectively with diverse learners in technology-enabled environments, and ensure that teaching careers remain relevant amidst the ongoing digital transformation of schools.
Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIEd) is transforming education by addressing key challenges and driving innovation in teaching practices (UNESCO, 2021). The European Commission's Digital Education Action Plan emphasises the need for AI literacy among educators to effectively integrate AI and data skills into education systems (EC, 2021). The growing presence of AI tools in classrooms is reshaping teaching roles, requiring educators to develop competencies for AI-assisted decision-making and the ethical use of technology (UNESCO, 2022). Teachers and educators, especially in primary schools, need a solid foundation in AI and data literacy to engage critically, ethically, and effectively with these technologies, ensuring they can fully exploit AI's potential for personalised and inclusive learning. Partners have identified a critical need for targeted training tailored to primary education. Existing AI-related initiatives are largely designed for general or secondary education, leaving a gap in resources specifically for primary school curricula. This project addresses these needs by empowering teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate AI into their classrooms responsibly and effectively.