ADAPT Research Centre Launches “AI Literacy in the Classroom” Online Training Course for Post-Primary Teachers

ADAPT, the Research Ireland Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology, with the support of Google, today announced the launch of its new online training course, AI Literacy in the Classroom. This interactive 90-minute course is designed to empower post-primary educators with essential AI literacy skills, equipping them to guide their students in the safe, ethical, and responsible use of AI in schoolwork.

The course offers two key modules, AI Literacy and AI and Ethics. Through engaging activities and expert insights, it helps teachers and school leaders navigate the evolving role of AI in education. Participants will gain practical tools to integrate AI literacy into their teaching practices, ensuring that students are well-prepared to engage with AI technologies responsibly.

AI Literacy in the Classroom is coordinated by ADAPT’s award-winning Education and Public Engagement team. The course is built on expert input from leading academics in Media Literacy, AI and Ethics, and Digital Learning from ADAPT and Dublin City University. Guidance from a teacher co-creation panel helped ensure the course aligned with teachers’ needs.

This online course complements ADAPT’s AI Literacy in the Classroom workshop series, providing flexible learning opportunities for teachers across Ireland.

The inaugural workshop in the series was held in November at The Foundry, Google Dublin, where the first cohort of post-primary teachers explored ethical approaches to AI integration in the classroom. Feedback from participants highlighted the importance of fostering AI literacy as an essential skill for both educators and students.

Laura Grehan, Head of Education, Engagement and Societal Impact with ADAPT at DCU, stated: “AI is becoming a pervasive part of everyday life, including the field of education. This course provides teachers with the knowledge and confidence they need to support their students in using AI tools effectively and responsibly. By focusing on ethics and practical application, we aim to empower educators to lead the way in fostering a new generation of AI-literate students.”

This initiative underscores ADAPT’s commitment to enhancing education through cutting-edge research and collaboration. By integrating the expertise of educators, researchers, and industry partners like Google, AI Literacy in the Classroom bridges the gap between technology and learning, ensuring that classrooms remain spaces for innovation and ethical growth.

Ryan Meade, Public Policy & Government Affairs Manager at Google Ireland, noted: “At Google, we want to equip Ireland’s young people and educators with the skills needed to understand and navigate this transformative technology. Our support for ADAPT underlines our commitment to making AI literacy accessible across Ireland, ensuring that students are prepared to shape an AI-enabled future that benefits all.”

How to Access the Course

The AI Literacy in the Classroom online training course is now available for post-primary teachers and school leaders nationwide. For more information and to enrol, visit adaptcentre.ie/ai-literacy-in-the-classroom.