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Italy Embarks on AI-Driven Lea...Prime Minister Meloni aims to revolutionize education with artificial intelligence while tackling the country's digital skills gap.
Italy is taking a bold step toward integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its education system, positioning itself at the forefront of technological innovation in schools. The initiative, driven by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, seeks to enhance students' learning experiences and bridge the nation’s digital skills gap with other European countries.
Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara revealed that AI-powered tools will be trialed in 15 classrooms across four regions, marking the first phase of a broader vision for digital learning. Speaking to TGcom24, Valditara explained that the AI tools, deployed on classroom tablets and computers, will act as virtual assistants. These assistants are expected to simplify learning for students and provide teachers with personalized teaching strategies, fostering a more bespoke educational experience.
Italy currently ranks among the lowest in the EU for basic digital skills, with Eurostat placing the country just ahead of Latvia, Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania. Despite this, officials are optimistic that AI tools could provide the boost needed to close the gap. However, details about the schools involved in the trial remain scarce, with Valditara’s office withholding the names of the participating institutions.
Interestingly, Italy's foray into AI-powered education coincides with a government ban on mobile phone use in classrooms, even for educational purposes. This announcement highlights the country’s ongoing struggle to modernize its education system, which was made starkly evident during the COVID-19 lockdown. Many attempts to digitize education during that period were hindered by the advanced age of Italy’s teaching staff, most of whom are over 50 years old.