Artificial Intelligence in Education: Preparing People, Not Just Schools
Mentortec
Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant promise; it is rapidly becoming part of everyday life in schools. In just a short period of time, tools capable of generating texts, images, lesson plans, personalised feedback and learning resources have found their way into classrooms across Europe. The pace of this transformation is remarkable. Yet, perhaps, the most important question is no longer what AI can do but how we can prepare people to use it thoughtfully, critically and responsibly.
This reflection lies at the heart of Mentortec’s involvement in the EduAId – Empowering Educators with Microcredentials in AI project. Beyond introducing new technologies, EduAId aims to equip professional educators with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the opportunities and limitations of artificial intelligence and to integrate it into teaching and learning in meaningful and ethical ways.
Too often, discussions about AI in education focus primarily on efficiency: automating tasks, saving time, or personalising learning experiences. While these benefits are undeniable, we believe that a much broader conversation is needed. The real challenge is not simply technological adoption; it is ensuring that learners develop the critical thinking skills required to navigate a world where information can be generated, manipulated, and distributed by intelligent systems.
As our work within EduAId progressed, it became increasingly clear that artificial intelligence cannot be discussed in isolation. Its impact is closely connected to another fundamental area of contemporary education: digital literacy. This is where a natural link emerges with another project in which Mentortec is actively involved – SafER-Web.
Through SafER-Web, we have been exploring issues related to online safety, digital citizenship, critical thinking and responsible participation in digital environments. The challenges addressed by the project have taken on new significance in the age of generative AI. How can young people distinguish authentic content from AI-generated material? How can they assess the credibility of online information? How can they use AI tools without compromising creativity, independent thinking, or ethical judgement?
These are no longer hypothetical questions. They are becoming part of everyday educational reality.
From our perspective, the answer is neither to resist technological innovation nor to embrace it uncritically. Instead, we must focus on educating for artificial intelligence in the same way that we educate for citizenship, media literacy, and responsible digital participation.
This is why we see EduAId and SafER-Web as complementary initiatives within a shared vision. EduAId supports professional educators in developing AI-related competencies and confidence. SafER-Web strengthens the digital literacy and critical awareness needed to navigate increasingly complex online environments. Together, they highlight an essential truth: digital transformation in education is not only about technology; it is about people, values, and informed decision-making.
At a time when artificial intelligence is evolving faster than many institutions can adapt, professional educators have never been more important. They are the ones who help students question information, identify bias, evaluate sources and understand that what appears convincing is not always accurate or trustworthy.
For this reason, preparing schools for artificial intelligence means, above all, preparing people. It means empowering teachers, fostering critical and responsible learners, and building educational communities capable of embracing innovation while maintaining a strong commitment to human values.
Artificial intelligence will undoubtedly shape the future of education. The challenge before us is to ensure that this transformation makes us not only more efficient, but also more reflective, more responsible, and ultimately, more human.
