Erasmus+ Course Report – ChatGPT and the use of AI in Education

Ms, Claire Lauri, Teacher at Immaculate Conception School, Tarxien, participated in an Erasmus+ course in Faro, Portugal, focused on ChatGPT and its use of AI in education. The course helped her gain a better understanding of AI and gave her practical experience in using ChatGPT and other digital tools in the classroom. She discovered many new apps which can help her plan lessons quicker, make lessons more creative and engage students in different ways. These include energisers such as Gartic Phone, tools for creating podcasts and activities for home tasks, as well as tools which can support inclusion by turning notes into music or creating visual summaries. The course also highlighted the importance of empathy when using AI and the need to prepare students for a future where technology and AI will play an important role.

The training was very practical and participant-centred, allowing Claire to experiment with the different tools and improve her digital language skills. She found Teacher Mauro from Learning Together to be very knowledgeable, talented and patient, always willing to explain and help. Claire also enjoyed meeting teachers from other European countries, sharing experiences and learning from each other. She hopes that these new friendships and professional connections will continue and may lead to future Erasmus+ opportunities such as job shadowing or student exchanges.

The experience in Faro also continued outside the classroom, as the participants explored the beauty of the Algarve together. Claire was particularly inspired by the Ria Formosa and its rich flora and fauna, giving her ideas that she can use in her Hospitality lessons, especially when teaching sustainability. Overall, the course helped her to update her knowledge of AI, strengthen her digital skills and become more creative and innovative in her teaching. She is very grateful to Immaculate Conception School, Tarxien, for giving her this opportunity to grow professionally and become a better teacher.