Dr Patrick Buckland, Assistant Professor in Business at Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Thurles and Co-Director of the Irish Centre for AI Research in Education (ICAIRE), has joined the Department of Education and Youth’s AI in Schools External Advisory Taskforce.
Dr Buckland attended the first meeting of the Taskforce on Thursday, 14 May, representing ICAIRE as co-director of the research centre. Established by the Department of Education and Youth, the Taskforce will support the development of a coherent national approach to the safe, responsible and effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) across primary and post-primary education.
The appointment recognises the growing contribution of ICAIRE, a research centre co-led by MIC, to national discussions on AI and education, while also highlighting the expertise being developed at MIC Thurles in this rapidly evolving field.
The Taskforce will establish several working groups to support the Department’s thinking on the role of AI in schools, examining areas including teaching and learning, assessment, teacher professional development, ethics, governance and the responsible use of AI across the education system.
Its work will progress through a phased programme, with initial priorities focused on assessment and teaching, learning and formative assessment. This includes consideration of issues such as academic integrity, assessment approaches in the context of AI, AI literacy for teachers and students, classroom use, curriculum development, and alignment with national guidance and existing supports.
Working groups are expected to begin in July, with the Taskforce scheduled to reconvene in September.
Speaking about his involvement, Dr Buckland said:
“I am very pleased to contribute to this important national conversation on the role of artificial intelligence in schools. AI is already beginning to influence how students learn, how teachers work, and how assessment is understood, so the education system must respond in a thoughtful, balanced and evidence-informed way. The Taskforce provides an opportunity to ensure that schools are supported to use AI safely, ethically and effectively, while keeping teaching, learning, student wellbeing and equity at the centre of the discussion.”
