In the final week of May 2024, the Drumcondra Education Centre hosted an Awareness Raising Event for AI4EDU, featuring Dr. Daithí Ó Murchú from Dublin, Ireland. This hybrid event, which included both online and in-person sessions, was attended by 76 educators and guests from Ireland and various European countries. It offered an in-depth exploration of the multifaceted role of AI in education and the AI4EDU project and website.

Participants engaged with several AI4EDU tools and experienced unique prototypes designed for teachers and students, namely Study Buddy and Teachermate. These applications, co-designed under the EU project and based on Open-AI principles, provided a hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI technology. This exposure was both stimulating and challenging, prompting dynamic discussions about AI’s future in educational settings.

Dr. Ó Murchú eloquently likened the choice of using AI to the moral dilemmas faced by characters in Star Wars, highlighting that it is up to us to harness AI for good rather than succumb to its potential pitfalls. These webinars underscored the transformative potential of AI in education, urging thoughtful, meaningful, and responsible adoption that enhances learning while preserving the invaluable human elements of teaching.

The anticipation for Dr. Ó Murchú’s return for more extensive awareness-raising sessions is palpable, as participants look forward to continuing this critical dialogue.