AIDIG project: Support for AI in education and development of teachers’ digital skills

The linking of artificial intelligence (AI) and the revision of the National curricula represents a major step towards the modernisation of Czech education. While AI brings new possibilities for personalised learning and the ability for educators to master routine duties faster, the revisions to the National curricula create the space to integrate these technologies into teaching in a systematic and meaningful way. The two areas are thus complementary - AI can help meet the goals of the new curriculum documents, which emphasise the development of digital competences, critical thinking and information literacy.

National curricula in the context of digitalization

In 2023, a new key digital competence was introduced and a new concept of the educational area (field) of Informatics was introduced for primary and secondary schools. These changes are now being followed by the major revision of the curriculum frameworks for pre-primary and primary education, which, among other things, emphasises a more systematic integration of key digital competences across all educational areas and in cross-curricula themes.

E.g. in primary education there are:

·       Educational area Computer Science - Digital Technologies (INF-INF-004-ZV9-014)

o   The student discusses how the digital technologies function in an effort to determine different trends in the world. New digital technologies are constantly emerging, it is appropriate to focus on those that have already proven their applicability and are gaining ground in practice, e.g. artificial intelligence, 3D printing, quantum computers, blockchain and cryptocurrencies, virtual and augmented reality, Internet of Things.

·       Educational area Human and Society – History (CAS-DEJ-001-ZV9-003)

o   The student is able to explain the difference between the representation of the past in history and in film, literature and new media, including products of artificial intelligence.

·       Cross-curricula theme Care for self and others (PTP-000-000-ZV9-002)

o   The expected learning outcome focuses on the student's active and purposeful care for their own wellbeing and meeting needs in the physical, emotional, social, cognitive and spiritual domains in the context of their learning across the curriculum. The student actively cares for their wellbeing in the digital environment.

·       Cross-curricula theme Sustainable environment (PTU-000-000-ZV9-002)

o   The thematic unit may also include e.g. field data collection, work with various information sources (e.g. AI, discussions with experts, work with texts, films).

In order to achieve the set objectives and expected learning outcomes within the national curricula, it is also necessary to continuously educate and methodically support teachers and school management. Teachers' digital competences are a key prerequisite for their quality implementation.

AIDIG project contributes to the development of digital education in schools in accordance with the Strategy of the Czech Education Policy 2030+ by providing comprehensive support to teaching staff. Webinars and trainings, including workshops for school teams are offered to schools free of charge. The full range of training courses and methodological materials is available at mojeedu.npi.cz.

Based on the article by Anna Stočesová Martinková, Gabriela Libová (MŠMT), translated by AI.

Original text to be found at Anna Stočesová Martinková, Gabriela Libová: Projekt NPO 3.1 – AIDIG: Podpora umělé inteligence ve vzdělávání a rozvoj digitálních kompetencí učitelů | Pedagogicke.info