In 2024, the Irish Awareness Raising Events brought together over 150 teachers in a groundbreaking initiative to explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Organized across several schools and professional development centers, these events provided educators with an immersive experience in using AI4EDU tools, such as #teachermate and #studybuddy, to revolutionize teaching within the Social, Environmental, and Scientific Education (SESE) curriculum. Facilitated by Dr. Daithí Ó Murchú and other experts, the events aimed to equip teachers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to integrate AI technologies into their classrooms, fostering creativity, personalization, and engagement in learning. The program uniquely combined workshops, collaborative lesson planning, and interactive demonstrations, enabling participants to see firsthand how AI could enhance student outcomes while addressing pressing global issues such as water safety, climate change, and sustainable development.

A key highlight of the events was their focus on aligning AI capabilities with real-world educational goals. For example, sessions on water safety emphasized the use of AI-powered simulations to create safe, realistic learning environments where students could practice emergency responses and hazard recognition. Similarly, the climate change workshops explored innovative ways to teach sustainability through AI, providing educators with strategies for incorporating project-based learning and critical thinking into the curriculum. These sessions were complemented by hands-on activities, allowing teachers to design personalized lessons and assessments tailored to individual student needs. Beyond environmental topics, the events also showcased creative applications of AI, such as gamifying education with chess. By blending strategy and technology, this unique approach demonstrated how AI can turn traditional subjects into engaging, interactive experiences that ignite students’ curiosity.

The initiative also featured school-specific workshops tailored to the unique needs of participating institutions, including Scoil Ghráinne, St. Marks’ SNS, Griffeen Community College, and St. Seton’s Secondary School. These sessions delved deeper into integrating AI tools within SESE and humanities lessons, fostering collaboration among teachers to develop AI-enhanced lesson plans. The workshops not only introduced educators to the functionalities of AI4EDU tools but also encouraged them to brainstorm practical solutions for classroom challenges, making the adoption of AI tools both accessible and effective. Teachers explored how AI could facilitate automatic grading, personalized quizzes, multimedia content creation, and targeted feedback, transforming traditional teaching methodologies into dynamic, data-driven practices.

Underlying these events was a strong commitment to addressing contemporary challenges in education while adhering to ethical standards. Discussions emphasized the importance of inclusivity, security, and equitable access in implementing AI technologies, ensuring that their use benefits all learners. The events also inspired educators to think creatively about the future of education, showcasing examples of AI-driven projects that spark innovation in teaching and learning. By fostering a sense of community among teachers, the events provided a platform for sharing experiences, collaborating on lesson designs, and collectively envisioning how AI could shape the next generation of education.