About this Project
Background
Altea Edu Srl., a prominent educational organisation in Italy, is dedicated to enhancing the educational landscape. Their mission focuses on empowering both students and educators through innovative methods. For students, their projects are hands on experiential learning activities, while for teachers they focus on training in language, culture and advanced learning technologies, ensuring all teachers who work wit them are well-equipped to navigate the evolving demands of modern education.
Project Aim
This project aims to empower K-12 teachers by developing their skills in AI and digital literacy. Recognising the critical role of teachers in shaping future generations, the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between traditional teaching methodologies and the rapidly advancing digital world, thereby enhancing the overall quality of education, while ensuring alignment with national, European and Unesco guidelines- By adhering to these guidelines, the project ensures that the integration of AI into teaching practices is ethically sound, educationally effective, and globally relevant. This alignment underscores a commitment to international standards and a forward-thinking approach to educational development.
Learning gap
In many classrooms, particularly in Italy, there is a notable underutilisation of technology for enhancing educational experiences. While often the issue is a lack of available technology, in Italy this issue is compounded by a limited understanding among teachers of the potential applications of AI in education. Where the hardware does exist, its effective use in pedagogy remains a challenge due to a lack of training and awareness among educators.
The project specifically addresses the needs of teachers in Italian and international bilingual school settings. These educators face unique challenges in integrating technology effectively in a multilingual and diverse cultural environment. The focus is on equipping them with knowledge and understanding of AI to leverage it along with other digital tools, fostering an inclusive and technologically adept educational atmosphere.
Instructional strategy
When collaborating with the CEO of Altea, it was decided that a blended learning approach, combining online microlearning with in-person workshops, would best respond to the needs of the company and its learners. This model allows for flexible, self-paced online learning complemented by interactive, hands-on sessions. The microlearning modules are designed to be concise and focused, enabling educators to assimilate key concepts effectively. The in-person workshops then build on this foundation, providing opportunities for practical application and collaborative learning.
AI Integration
The course is structured to enhance AI competencies among educators, with a strong emphasis on ethical use and risk management. It covers practical aspects of AI in education, including how to integrate AI tools in teaching and learning processes responsibly. Special attention is given to ethical considerations, ensuring educators are equipped to navigate the complexities associated with AI, such as data privacy, bias in AI algorithms, and the broader implications of AI in the educational context.