Tuam school explores the use of AI in their classrooms
TEACHERS at High Cross College in Tuam are being taught how to better utilise artificial intelligence (AI) in their classrooms.
The school has begun working with Maynooth University on the STUDI Initiative, a programme that is exploring how artificial intelligence can support teaching, learning and assessment in second-level education.
Dr Keith Maycock, Principal Investigator of STUDI, recently visited High Cross College to meet with teachers and support the introduction of their platform within the school.
He worked with staff members to demonstrate the STUDI platform, provide training and discuss the opportunities and challenges that AI is creating for education.
“Working directly with schools is central to the development of STUDI,” explained Dr Maycock.
“Generative AI presents genuine challenges for education, but it also provides enormous opportunities to rethink how we support learning and assessment.
“Our aim is not to remove AI from education, but to give teachers the tools to use it in ways that support genuine learning while maintaining confidence in the assessment process.”
Rapid growth of generative AI
The platform is designed to help schools respond positively to the rapid growth of generative AI while ensuring that assessment continues to reflect students' own learning, understanding and development.
Rather than focusing simply on detecting whether a student has used AI, STUDI is designed to make the learning process visible.
Teachers can see how students develop their work over time and can determine how AI should be used to support learners within individual assessments. The feedback from teachers and students will help to shape the continued development of the platform.
“Exploring the platform alongside the Maynooth University research team has been a valuable experience for our staff,” noted Geography teacher Kim Devlin.
“Rather than trying to keep AI out of the classroom, STUDI gives us the framework to teach digital literacy and critical thinking alongside our core subjects.
“Having our feedback directly influence the platform's development ensures the tool remains grounded in real-world teaching challenges.”
The STUDI initiative
High Cross College is one of several Irish second-level schools participating in the STUDI initiative. The wider research programme is examining authentic assessment, learning analytics and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education.
“Partnering with Maynooth University on the STUDI project allows us to stay ahead of the curve as technology rapidly changes the educational landscape,” commented Principal Neasa Cosgrove.
“Generative AI is already impacting how students interact with information, and our priority is to harness these tools responsibly.
“This collaboration empowers our teachers to preserve the integrity of student assessment while embracing technology that enhances the learning experience.”
The project has been funded by Science Foundation Ireland through the ARC Hub initiative, supporting the continued development and real-world evaluation of the technology with educators and learners.