Artificial intelligence is fast being adopted across various sectors, and education is no exception, with some schools starting to leverage AI’s capabilities to enhance efficiency and productivity. Recently, schools in Italy and the United Kingdom have begun to embrace AI as part of a broader initiative to improve digital literacy among students.
According to a report from Reuters, Italy has launched its first steps toward integrating AI in schools. Spearheaded by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, this move is to address the digital skills gap that exists within the country, which is one of the widest in the European Union.
Starting this academic year, AI-powered learning tools will be piloted in 15 classrooms across four regions in Italy. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara highlighted that AI technology will function as a “virtual assistant” for both students and teachers. The AI systems will be incorporated into classroom tablets and computers, which will aid students in understanding complex subjects while also helping teachers provide a more personalised learning experience.
“The goal is to introduce AI tools that can create tailored educational methods, providing a bespoke learning experience,” Valditara stated during an interview. If the pilot program proves effective, there are plans for expansion to additional schools in the future.
Italy is not alone in its efforts as the UK government has also launched a £4 million initiative to integrate AI into classrooms. The main purpose of this project is to transform how teachers plan lessons and assess student work.
Announced this week, the initiative intends to modernise the education system by taking advantage of AI tools to create customised teaching materials while reducing administrative burdens on educators.
The UK’s science and education departments emphasised that generative AI tools developed through this project would assist teachers by automating routine tasks such as grading and lesson preparation, which will allow them to focus more on delivering engaging lessons.
Early Education Minister Stephen Morgan described the announcement as a significant advancement for AI in education. Science Secretary Peter Kyle noted that the project wants to reduce administrative pressures, transform public sector data usage, and use AI technology for improved educational outcomes.
Past attempts to digitalise European schools have faced hurdles, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. A key challenge is the age of the teaching workforce, with more than half of teachers in Europe aged 50 or older, according to OECD data.
This particular demographic reality can hinder the adoption of new technologies and innovative teaching methods, as many older educators may be less familiar with digital tools. While students adapted quickly to online learning, many teachers still struggled with inadequate training and resources.
To overcome these challenges, there is an urgent need for targeted professional development programs that equip older teachers with essential digital skills. Addressing the age-related challenges within the teaching workforce will also be vital for successfully integrating AI into education and making sure that all students benefit from modern learning environments.
