AI is entering classrooms in Italy, new learning tools to be tested in 15 classrooms across four regions

Artificial intelligence is slowly becoming a part of every sector as more and more companies leverage AI to get their work done faster. Be it automating certain processes for e-commerce stores, help writers in content generation, help video producers with scripts and so on, AI has numerous benefits when put to the right use. And now, schools in Italy are also getting an AI boost, as per latest reports.

Schools in Italy getting AI boost

A Reuters report says that Italy has taken its first steps towards integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in schools as part of an initiative to improve digital literacy. The move comes as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government explores innovative ways to close the country's digital skills gap, which remains one of the widest in the European Union.

Starting this academic year, AI-powered learning tools will be tested in 15 classrooms across four regions in Italy. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara announced the initiative, stating that AI technology will act as a “virtual assistant” for both students and teachers. The AI systems will be integrated into classroom tablets and computers, helping students grasp complex topics more easily while assisting teachers in delivering a more personalised learning experience.

“The goal is to introduce AI tools that can create tailored educational methods, providing a bespoke learning experience,” Valditara told the TGcom24 news channel. If successful, the programme will be expanded to more schools in the future.

AI in classrooms in the UK

Italy isn't the only country that is planning to bring AI in the classroom. Recently, the UK government also unveiled a £4 million ($5.2 million) initiative aimed at integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into classrooms, with the goal of transforming how teachers planned lessons and marked student work.

Announced on Wednesday this week, the "first-of-its-kind" project seeks to modernise the education system by using AI tools to create tailored teaching materials and ease administrative burdens on educators.

The UK’s science and education departments highlighted that the generative AI tools developed through this project significantly aided teachers. By automating routine tasks like grading and lesson preparation, teachers were freed from administrative pressures and able to focus more on delivering engaging and effective lessons.

Early education minister Stephen Morgan, part of the recently elected Labour government, described the announcement as a major step forward for AI in the classroom. Science Secretary Peter Kyle noted that the project aimed to ease administrative burdens and transform the use of public sector data, reflecting a broader commitment to leveraging technology to improve educational outcomes.