This course is designed to support teachers in developing a practical and critical understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a particular focus on the use of Microsoft 365 Copilot and related digital tools in primary school contexts.
By exploring how AI supported tools can assist with planning, organisation, differentiation and assessment, teachers will gain a clearer understanding of how these technologies can support everyday classroom practice across curriculum areas. The course emphasises teacher professional judgement and aims to build confidence in reviewing, adapting and evaluating AI generated content rather than relying on automation.
Through guided, classroom relevant activities, teachers will learn how AI can be used to support personalised learning, provide timely feedback and help identify areas where pupils may benefit from additional support. Links are made throughout to the Digital Learning Framework, supporting teachers to plan for effective and sustainable digital practice within their own classroom and school context. Ethical considerations, safeguarding and data protection are addressed throughout, supporting responsible and appropriate use of AI in line with school policy and Department guidance.
Who Is This Course For
This course is suitable for primary teachers (1st–6th class) and will also have relevance for teachers with a whole school role in digital learning, STEE, assessment or School Self Evaluation (SSE).
No prior experience with AI is required. The course builds on teachers’ existing familiarity with Microsoft 365 tools commonly used in schools.
Technical Requirements
All our courses require broadband internet access. Participants need to be familiar with using the internet, downloading and installing software, and accessing online learning platforms.
Access to Microsoft 365 for Education will be required in order to engage fully with course activities.
Course Objectives
Participants will:
- Understand the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and AI supported tools, with a focus on Microsoft 365 Copilot and related applications, and their potential use in the primary classroom.
- Identify practical opportunities for integrating AI supported tools into teaching, learning and assessment, including within STEE contexts and digital learning experiences.
- Develop the skills and confidence needed to use AI to support planning, differentiation and pupil engagement, and to apply this learning within their own classroom practice.
- Explore ethical considerations associated with AI use in education, including accuracy, bias, safeguarding and data protection, and evaluate responsible and appropriate use.
- Consider the impact of AI on future practice in schools, including implications for digital planning, school policy and School Self Evaluation.
Expected Outcomes
On completion of this course, participants will:
- Understand key concepts and terminology associated with AI and data use in education.
- Develop an informed awareness of ethical considerations related to AI and be able to identify potential benefits and limitations of AI use in schools.
- Explore examples of AI supported digital tools and identify age appropriate, aligned resources, including those relevant to STEE resources, including those relevant to STEE.
- Explore approaches for integrating AI supported practices into existing lessons and appreciate the teacher competences required to support effective digital learning and planning.
Course Duration
Delivered fully online, this course can be taken anytime between July 1st and August 21st, 2026.
Participants are required to engage meaningfully with online content for approximately 20 hours. Participation and engagement will be primarily judged on the quality of contributions to course activities and reflection tasks. An attendance roll will be maintained, along with a log of time spent working online, in line with summer course requirements.
Course Authors
Sarah Gallagher is a Primary School Teacher from Galway and a Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Expert with a passion for creating engaging, inclusive and meaningful learning experiences for all pupils. She believes in the power of creativity, curiosity and technology to inspire young learners and support their individual growth. Sarah is committed to supporting fellow educators through practical, classroom-ready ideas and resources that make teaching more effective and enjoyable.
Colin Syron is a primary school teacher with 15 years of classroom experience and a strong interest in digital learning, inclusive practice and innovative teaching approaches. Colin has led the implementation of Microsoft 365 in his school and has extensive experience supporting staff and pupils in the effective use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. He is passionate about practical, classroom-ready strategies that support engagement, accessibility and meaningful learning for all pupils.
Sarah Gibbons is an educator with 15 years experience in a variety of roles in post primary education in Ireland. She has a keen interest in leveraging technology to provide truly inclusive education in schools. Accessibility issues are often unseen, as well as seen, but technology can support the learning of students irrespective of their learning differences.
Sarah has presented both nationally and internationally on topics such as AI in Education, Education and Technology and Leading Change in a Digital World.
Laura Ryan is a primary school teacher from Carlow. She currently holds an AP1 position in her school, where she supports teaching and learning initiatives and contributes to ongoing school improvement. As the school’s Digital Learning Lead, Laura works closely with colleagues to promote the effective and meaningful integration of technology across the curriculum, supporting both staff and pupils in developing essential digital skills.
Aaron Bowen is a Computer Science teacher and Head of the Computer Science Department at Kinsale Community School. In addition to his teaching role, he serves as Assistant Principal with responsibility for the strategic use of technology to support students with Special Educational Needs.
