Ex-headteacher launches AI safety lessons for schools in Powys

A free bilingual education pack aims to help children understand artificial intelligence, question its output and use the technology safely

A former headteacher has launched a free bilingual education pack to help schools in Powys teach children how to use artificial intelligence safely.

Education consultant Meinir Lloyd Jones has created a bilingual version of an education pack about the use and teaching of AI in Welsh schools. It has been adapted from an initial resource created by education consultant Phil Wickins. | ©Ceidiog Communication

placeholder image — Education consultant Meinir Lloyd Jones has created a bilingual version of an education pack about the use and teaching of AI in Welsh schools. It has been adapted from an initial resource created by education consultant Phil Wickins. | ©Ceidiog Communication

Meinir Lloyd Jones, a partner and lead education consultant at Welsh business consultancy Lafan, warned that over-reliance on AI could affect youngsters' ability to think independently.

The five-lesson pack, aimed at children aged eight to 11, has been adapted for the Curriculum for Wales from an original resource created by education consultant Phil Wickins of Run Don't Walk Computing.

It covers how AI works, potential bias and the importance of questioning information rather than assuming it is accurate.

Meinir, who was headteacher at Ysgol Bro Gwydir in Llanrwst for eight years, said: "It is important for learners to understand what is artificial and what is real, so they can differentiate between humans and machines.

"Quite often, the output from an AI system sounds very credible, so it is important that children understand they need to question it."

She said the resource also explored the benefits of AI, including its potential to help teachers with lesson planning and ease workloads.

The pack was developed by Lafan without external funding, with Meinir thanking Phil for his help in adapting the original resource for Welsh schools.

Phil said there was a need to teach children about AI, rather than simply how to use it, particularly as technology could be used to create fake content and spread misinformation.

He said: "Children will be using AI in their future careers and their future education, and I want to know I have done my bit to really help children understand how people use AI to create fake things and deliberately spread misinformation. I want children to have the wherewithal to tackle that."

The bilingual pack will be unveiled at a Lafan event at Neuadd Ogwen in Bethesda on Friday, November 20.

People can visit the Run Don't Walk website to book a place on the November 26 webinar and download the AI pack.