Author: Dr. Daithí Ó Murchú

The key message to inform schools, teachers, and students about AI4EDU and AI4Good is that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform education and address global challenges, such as poverty, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. AI4EDU focuses on the integration of AI into educational programmes to improve student learning outcomes and prepare them for the jobs of the future. AI4Good is aimed at leveraging AI to address societal challenges and make a positive impact on people’s lives. We fully acknowledge that there are many in society who are fearful of AI4EDU, and overall, we would like to state that AI itself is NOT the issue, it is the human programmer, coder who writes, generates, and/or codes the algorithm. AI does what it is coded, ‘told’ to do, and when ethically, professionally and meaningfully coded, it transforms lives in so many positive ways in schools and on a personal level. The opposite also holds true !

Moreover, AI has the potential to enable teachers to personalize instruction, identify learning gaps, and provide focused and meaningful feedback to students of all abilities, in real-time. It can also improve accessibility and equity in education, especially for students with special needs or in remote areas. AI4Good can help solve complex problems in healthcare, climate change, disaster response, and poverty reduction, among others.

It is essential to develop AI literacy and skills among students and teachers to harness the full potential of AI. AI education should focus not only on technical skills but also on ethical considerations, such as bias, privacy, and transparency. AI4EDU and AI4Good initiatives can provide opportunities for collaboration and innovation among educators, students, and industry partners to create a better future for all. 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 !