Enhancing teachers’ AI Literacy

ongoing

As depicted in the AI Index report published by the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI, there is a growing interest in AI among various stakeholders of the educational ecosystem. Despite the highlighted benefits of AI, concerns are growing, particularly among teachers who are tasked with implementing new AI tools in their classrooms. This concern is further emphasized in the digital education action plan (2021-2027), which stresses the necessity for a renewed focus within the European digital competence framework. Specifically, there is a call to enhance digital skills and competencies related to AI, including the optimization of AI content knowledge, fostering critical reflections, and developing data-related skills (altogether, these skills can be referred to as ‘AI literacy’). This underscores the growing need for clear guidance, training, and support for educators who are expected to integrate these new technologies in the everyday classroom. This teacher academy ‘AI-TEACH’ aims to equip future and current teachers with the necessary skills to become reflective and proficient in the new domain of AI in education (AIED). Delivering tailored training to schools is a crucial step in supporting teachers: It can prepare them for change and empower them to navigate rapid developments in the field of AI. AI-TEACH's primary objectives include developing teachers' AI competences in a responsible and sustainable manner through a joint training program of 20 ECTS. In addition, the aim is to foster staff and teacher mobility, to exchange knowledge, experiences and perceptions regarding teacher AI literacy. These goals contribute to a broader objective of establishing a European sustained and structured partnership among providers of initial teacher education and continuous professional development. In doing so, AI-TEACH could ultimately formulate guidelines for policymakers on how to implement AI literacy as a crucial competence for teachers and teacher trainers.