The Conference of Ministers of Education recently published new guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence in schools, making it clear that teachers will play a central role. There is often criticism that the education system lags behind in terms of digitalization, and this can vary significantly between regions. With the rapid development of technologies such as AI, it’s no easy task to keep pace. These current recommendations aim to address this challenge by helping teachers adapt to the times.
To properly prepare teachers for the use of AI, various measures must be implemented at every stage of their training. This isn’t just about technical knowledge; it’s about media education and how to incorporate AI effectively into classroom instruction. Teachers need to understand not only how AI works but also how to integrate it responsibly and ethically into their subjects. The current professional development formats for teachers must also be adjusted, alongside student assessment methods, to better reflect the new digital reality.
Teachers are expected to grasp the technical foundations of AI and to realistically assess the opportunities and risks it presents. This includes being sensitive to legal frameworks and ethical concerns so they can evaluate AI applications not only technically but also in terms of their broader societal impact. Given the rapid pace of change in the field of digital education, the requirements for teachers must be continually reviewed and updated.
Digital learning competence centers will play a key role here, tasked with developing training and professional development programs that ensure teachers have the necessary resources to engage with new technologies. Teachers are also encouraged to view themselves as lifelong learners, continually reflecting on and evolving their roles in this dynamic landscape—a critical step in future-proofing the education system.
Additionally, access to current research and best practices is crucial. Collaborating with academic institutions is essential for effectively integrating AI into the classroom. Specifically, teachers should be kept up to date on developments in generative AI applications, so they can incorporate these advancements into their teaching. Studies on intelligent tutoring systems and adaptive learning environments should be systematically organized and regularly presented, ensuring the best insights can be applied in practice.
One area of particular sensitivity is data protection. Safeguarding the personal rights of students must remain a top priority when implementing AI. To achieve this, close cooperation is required between educational authorities, data protection regulators, academic institutions, and educational media providers. Only through such collaboration can the potential of AI be harnessed without compromising students’ rights. The recommendations are clear: it’s time to move beyond discussions about AI in education and take active, responsible steps toward implementation.
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