Artificial Intelligence
At TransforMATive, we believe that AI literacy isn’t a future aspiration, it’s a present necessity. As multi-academy trusts navigate the complexities of digital transformation, equipping staff and pupils with the skills to understand and engage with artificial intelligence is fast becoming essential. We support MATs to move beyond simply adopting AI tools, helping them embed AI literacy into their curriculum, CPD programmes, and strategic planning, ensuring their communities are confident, informed, and ready to lead in an AI-driven world.
Rethinking teaching and learning in the age of artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept, it’s already embedded in classrooms, shaping the curriculum, and redefining what it means to be digitally literate. But as AI capabilities continue to evolve, we must ask: are we equipping learners, and educators, not just to use AI, but to understand and critically engage with it?
A compelling new paper by Kong and colleagues sets out a clear case: AI literacy should be a fundamental component of contemporary education; not just for pupils, but for teachers, school leaders, and those shaping strategy across the system.
What Do We Mean by AI Literacy—And Why Is It So Important?
AI literacy goes far beyond knowing how to use tools like ChatGPT. It’s about developing a mindset. A blend of knowledge, skills, and ethical awareness that allows people to use AI responsibly, creatively, and with confidence.
According to Kong et al., AI literacy must sit alongside digital and media literacy in the curriculum. Not everyone needs to be a computer scientist, but every learner should be able to:
- Understand what AI is and where it shows up in everyday life
- Question its impact on fairness, bias, and inclusion
- Use AI tools to solve real-world problems and support innovation
A Force for Inclusion and Lifelong Learning
AI has the potential to personalise learning in powerful ways tailoring support, pace, and content to individual needs. But unless we teach AI literacy alongside this, we risk deepening existing inequalities.
Kong and colleagues advocate for equity-informed AI education ensuring all pupils have access to the knowledge and tools to thrive in an AI-driven world, not just the digitally advantaged.
Done well, this isn’t just about skills for today, it’s about preparing young people for a lifetime of learning and work in an AI-enhanced society.
What Can We Do in Schools and Trusts?
The message from Kong et al. is clear: AI is already reshaping the world around us. Education can either keep pace or risk being left behind. By prioritising AI literacy, we empower pupils to not only navigate an AI-rich world—but to shape it.
The question isn’t should we teach AI literacy? it’s how soon can we embed it meaningfully into teaching and learning?
https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2024.2332744
Certainly! Here’s a UK English closing paragraph with a professional and encouraging call to action:
As the role of AI in education continues to grow, now is the time to ensure your trust is not just keeping up, but leading the way. Whether you’re looking to develop a trust-wide approach to AI literacy, up-skill your workforce, or embed AI into your strategic vision, TransforMATive is here to help. If you’d like to explore how we can support your journey, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we’d love to connect.
