On September 22, 2023, the AI4EDU Workshop was held in Ireland and conducted online through EU Online 1, gathering 34 participants comprising educators and stakeholders in the field of AI in education. This workshop was part of a series of events organized by AI4EDU to explore the integration of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning.
The workshop’s objectives were to:
- Introduce participants to Artificial Intelligence (AI) concepts and tools.
- Assess the current understanding and usage of AI in educational settings by teachers and students.
- Demonstrate the use of AI-powered chatbots in education.
- Collect feedback through a Strengths, Challenges, Opportunities, and Threats (SCOT) analysis on AI’s role in education.
The workshop highlighted a clear generational divide in perceptions and comfort levels with AI. Students demonstrated a significantly higher level of ease with AI tools, such as chatbots and OpenAI platforms, expressing optimism and enthusiasm about AI’s role in education and society. Students showed no fear and conveyed thoughtful expectations for AI’s future.
In contrast, teachers approached AI with caution, often exhibiting apprehension or skepticism about its integration into educational contexts. However, despite these reservations, many teachers recognized the inevitability of AI in education and displayed a readiness to engage with its potential benefits. Approximately 50% of the participating teachers admitted to having limited familiarity with AI concepts, suggesting a need for targeted professional development in this area.
The findings were consistent across workshops held in Ireland, Sweden, and the Netherlands, indicating no significant cultural differences in attitudes toward AI in education. Importantly, the workshop underscored the necessity of continued dialogue and training to bridge the knowledge gap and foster acceptance of AI’s role in shaping the future of learning environments.
