Author: Dr. Daithí Ó Murchú

The key message to inform stakeholders and policy makers in each participating country and at the European level about AI4EDU and AI4Good is that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform the education ecosystem and create significant social impact. AI technologies can enhance learning outcomes, enable personalized and adaptive learning, and foster lifelong learning. Furthermore, AI can support educators in administrative tasks, and provide them with data-driven insights to improve teaching methods and student engagement.

AI4EDU and AI4Good initiatives are designed to promote the responsible and ethical use of AI in education, focusing on the development of AI-powered educational tools, resources, and services. These initiatives aim to facilitate the integration of AI into the educational ecosystem, increase awareness of the benefits and challenges of AI, and promote cross-sectoral collaboration between industry, academia, and government.

At the European level, AI4EDU and AI4Good can contribute to the development of a common AI strategy for education that promotes equity of opportunity, innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Such a strategy should prioritize investments in AI research and development, digital infrastructure, and human capacity building, while also addressing ethical, legal, and social challenges associated with AI adoption in education.

Ultimately, the success of AI4EDU and AI4Good depends on the engagement and collaboration of all stakeholders in the educational ecosystem, including educators, learners, policymakers, researchers, and industry partners. By working together, we can ensure that AI is used to improve the quality and accessibility of education, and to promote social and economic development for all.

Finally, no matter what the message is, and no matter to whom that message is addressed concerning AI4EDU and AI4Good, we again repeat ourselves by stating empathetically and unequivocally, that AI is like Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader, one father , one son of that father, the same DNA, one chose the dark side the other the ‘Force’, we as humans have that choice so let’s not blame the AI ! By countries municipalities, governments, schools etc., etc., banning the use and integration of AI all they are doing is delaying the inevitable, as AI has been with us for quite a while already in so many facets of society as a whole and it will continue to evolve with or without our ‘permission’. So again, let’s choose and choose wisely…Darth Vader or Luke Skywalker!