EduAId Kick-Off Meeting: Shaping the Future of AI in Education
The EduAId project took a major step forward with its kick-off meeting in Oldenburg on January 22-23. A dedicated group of educators, school leaders, researchers, and technology specialists gathered to shape how AI can be effectively used in schools of different European countries. Hosted at the OFFIS Institute for Information Technology, this two-day event focused on making AI a practical and accessible tool for teaching and learning. Discussions covered project goals, partner roles, and the roadmap for implementation. The ultimate objective? To empower teachers, school heads, and educators in Europe with AI-driven micro-credentials, giving them the confidence and skills to integrate AI into their daily teaching.
How It Will Work: Key Steps in Implementation
To make AI training as practical as possible, EduAId will focus on:
- A user-friendly digital platform: Educators can access training modules, resources, and certification programs in one place.
- A structured micro-credential framework: Teachers earn official recognition for their AI skills, helping with career development and school-wide implementation.
- Engaging tools like gamified learning and chatbots: Making AI training interactive and applicable to classroom settings.
- Pilot programmes and workshops: Real-world classroom testing ensures that AI tools are useful and relevant for different school environments.
A Strong Team: The Power of a Diverse Consortium
EduAId brings together a strong network of partners, each contributing unique expertise to support educators in AI integration. The project coordinator, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg employs experts in research on AI in education, ensuring practical and effective solutions for teacher training. OFFIS Institute for Information Technology provides technical innovation, making sure AI applications remain relevant and easy to use in schools.
The European School Heads Association (ESHA) leverages its vast network of school heads in Europe, as well as communication channels – magazines, conferences, podcasts, and policy collaborations – to disseminate EduAId’s AI-driven innovations. Its expertise in AI projects like MicroVET will strengthen micro-credential initiatives, ensuring effective AI adoption in schools.
The Basque International Research Association from Spain (BIRA) focuses on applying AI-powered micro-credentials and research into innovative teacher training strategies. Their work ensures that digital solutions are backed by solid pedagogical foundations. With expertise in digital innovation and socio-educational inclusion, BIRA organises major international conferences on education and technology, fostering global discussions.
Mentortec from Portugal is a business accelerator and certified training provider, specialising in developing innovative educational resources, particularly for AI-based learning. In EduAId, Mentortec is responsible for creating a digital training platform, a gamified micro-credentialing app, and an AI-powered chatbot to support educators. With extensive experience in entrepreneurship, training, and capacity building, Mentortec ensures that AI-based teaching methodologies are accessible, engaging, and effectively implemented across educational institutions.
CNOS-FAP, a leading network of Salesian vocational training centers in Italy, provides high-quality education across 16 regions through 63 VET centers. With strong industry partnerships and expertise in AI-driven vocational training, it enhances micro-credentials and digital tool integration in technical education. Its experience in work-based learning and ICT-enhanced pedagogy ensures AI supports practical, industry-relevant training for students and educators.
Schools like Agrupamento de Escolas de Águas Santas and Centro San Viator have a significant role of contributing real classroom insights, helping adapt AI tools to everyday teaching needs. Minds Europe and Smart High School in Serbia support AI-powered learning environments, while Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour (UPPA) ensures AI use aligns with ethical and policy guidelines.
Oberschule Ofenerdiek, a secondary school in Oldenburg, brings expertise in integrating digital tools into secondary education, with a strong focus on vocational preparation to ensure AI-based learning is practical for students of different levels. Bund-fiB gUG, a non-profit organisation in Berlin, specialises in supporting students with special needs, ensuring AI applications are inclusive and accessible to all learners. Their work in language learning and digital training platforms enhances AI-based education, making it more adaptable to diverse student populations.
Together, the project partners create a powerful support system for teachers and school leaders, helping them confidently bring AI into their classrooms.
Addressing Challenges: Making AI Accessible for All
Integrating AI into education comes with challenges, and EduAId will tackle them head-on. Some of the challenges mentioned at the kick-off meeting are data privacy and ethical considerations. In addition, many teachers are eager to use AI but need structured guidance. Finally, AI tools must be designed to support all students, including those with diverse learning needs.
EduAId partners are committed to addressing these challenges. The next phases will focus on creating the micro-credentialing system and AI training modules, and researching the impact of AI on teaching and learning. Collaboration with educators, school leaders and policy makers will be key to ensuring AI is used in a way that benefits everyone in the school community.
A Shared Vision for the Future of AI in Schools
The energy at the Oldenburg meeting made it clear – this isn’t just about AI, it’s about making AI work for teachers, school leaders, and students.
Through collaboration, research, and practical training, the partners will ensure that AI becomes an empowering tool for educators, rather than an intimidating challenge. The project is paving the way for AI to transform schools in ways that are engaging, effective, and accessible for all.
For more updates and opportunities to get involved, stay connected with us through our social media channels. The future of AI in education is just beginning, and EduAId is leading the way!