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ATU student teachers collaborate on AI in education during international programme
Student teachers from Atlantic Technological University (ATU) recently participated in an Erasmus+ programme focused on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, hosted by Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen, the Netherlands.
The Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) brought together 30 students and lecturers from ATU, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, and Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Finland. The programme combined online learning with a week-long visit from 23 to 27 March 2026, including workshops, school visits and collaborative projects.
Working in international teams, ATU student teachers from the Department of Creative Education explored how AI can be used and critically assessed in educational settings. Students designed and presented interactive exhibitions on key issues surrounding AI, including the environmental impact of AI technologies, ethical considerations and how bias can arise in AI systems.
The programme also focused on critical digital literacy, creativity and communication, reflecting emerging trends in education internationally and the skills needed by future teachers.
The initiative forms part of an ongoing Erasmus+ collaboration between partner institutions, aimed at preparing student teachers to engage confidently and responsibly with AI in their professional practice. Reflections from student teachers on their participation in the BIP will form part of research presented at this year’s 50th Educational Studies Association of Ireland Conference.
Kevin Maye, Lecturer in the Department of Creative Education at ATU, said:
Participating in this project is a natural fit for student teachers in our department, as it challenges them to incorporate AI into their practice in a creative and ethically sound way. The international dimension is also hugely important, with students and staff from across Europe working collaboratively, offering a strong model of international cooperation in education.
The programme will continue to rotate between partner institutions, with a future iteration planned at ATU’s Galway campus on the Wellpark Road in 2027.
Featured photo: Student teachers from Atlantic Technological University (ATU) who participated in an Erasmus+ programme on AI and education.
Photo 1: Students participating in the Erasmus+ programme working collaboratively on AI in education.
Photo 2: Erasmus+ programme participants visit a local school in Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Catherine Howley
Digital Communications Officer
Tel: 089 219 0501
E: catherine.howley@atu.ie
