Italy Introduces AI in Schools to Close Digital Skills Gap

Italy is integrating artificial intelligence in schools to bridge its digital skills gap with other EU countries. The initiative, led by Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara, will trial AI-assisted software in 15 classrooms across four regions. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlights AI's role in the G7 summit.

Italy is taking significant steps to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its educational system. The government's new initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, aims to close Italy's digital skills gap compared to other European Union countries.

Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara announced that AI-assisted software would be trialed in 15 classrooms across four regions this school year. The AI tools, designed to act as virtual assistants, aim to facilitate student learning and help teachers develop more personalized educational methods.

Italy lags behind most EU nations in basic digital skills, ranking above only Latvia, Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania, according to Eurostat. Despite the lack of detailed information about the program, the trial is seen as promising. Francesca Bastagli, head of research at the Fondazione Agnelli, expressed optimism that the initiative would provide valuable insights for future AI implementations in schools. In parallel, the government has banned mobile phone use in classrooms to further focus on effective education.

(With inputs from agencies.)