Latvia launches programme for safe use of artificial intelligence in schools

Latvia has launched a new nationwide programme intended to ensure that, by 2030, pupils, teachers and school heads use artificial intelligence (AI) skilfully and safely while managing the risks that come with it. Whether AI in schools is a risk or a helper is a pressing question for anyone working in education or studying at school.

Pilot project in 25 schools

At present, 25 Latvian schools are testing and developing various solutions in a pilot project. They will later share these with other educational institutions. This is needed because, beyond minimal guidelines, each school mostly acts at its own discretion.

An expert's view

Dace Šķirmante, an education methodologist for digital literacy and wellbeing at the Education Board of Aizkraukle municipality, says AI's arrival in schools is both a huge benefit and a considerable risk. In her view, everything depends on how meaningfully and purposefully the technology is used. Looking at the global picture, she considers it definitely a helper and a valuable tool.

Šķirmante says that when the goal is clearly defined, AI opens up broad possibilities. She names specific tools, such as automated transcription and converting speech into real-time text, as well as lesson summaries. According to her, these significantly ease the workload. Such tools also allow a teacher to prepare adapted learning materials for pupils with different needs in a relatively short time.