Italy is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) in education, aiming to bridge the country’s digital skills gap with its European Union counterparts. The pilot program, introduced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, will test AI-assisted teaching in 15 classrooms across four regions, signalling a step towards modernising education in Italy. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara announced this initiative as schools reopened across the nation, marking a new era of AI integration in education.
The AI tools, implemented on classroom tablets and computers, will function as virtual assistants to enhance learning experiences. “These AI systems will not only make learning easier for students but will also help teachers tailor lessons to individual learning needs, making education more personalised,” Valditara shared.
Italy ranks among the lowest in basic digital skills within the European Union, according to Eurostat, outperforming only Latvia, Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania. This AI initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to improve IT proficiency, especially as technology continues to reshape the global economy.
Despite the promise of AI-assisted learning, details about the specific schools participating and the full scope of the trial are still under wraps. The initiative’s success could determine whether AI tools are rolled out across more schools in the future. Education experts are optimistic about the potential impact of this pilot program. Francesca Bastagli, head of research at the Fondazione Agnelli educational think tank, called the program “promising,” noting that a thorough evaluation is crucial to understanding the program’s effectiveness and inclusivity.
Past attempts to digitise Italy’s education system have faced significant challenges, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country struggled with outdated infrastructure, and many educators found it difficult to adapt due to the advanced age of the teaching workforce. OECD data shows that more than half of Italy’s teachers are aged 50 or older, making tech adoption slower than in other countries.
In addition to the AI rollout, Valditara has enforced a nationwide ban on mobile phones in classrooms, even for educational purposes. The minister’s stance reflects the government’s efforts to balance modern technological advances with discipline and traditional teaching methods.
Prime Minister Meloni has prioritised AI in international discussions, notably making it a central theme during the 2024 G7 summit hosted by Italy. World leaders at the summit agreed to enhance cooperation in harnessing the benefits of AI while addressing its risks, signalling that AI is shaping not only education but also global policy.
If successful, Italy’s AI-assisted teaching experiment could revolutionise the way students learn and help close the digital skills gap in the country. For now, the education community awaits the results, hoping that the integration of AI will offer a path forward for Italy’s educational future.
