On the sidelines of the second part of the 2023 session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg, MEP Mr. Kostis Efstathiou today represented the Assembly's Committee on Culture, Education and Media at a hearing on artificial intelligence in schools.
Mr Efstathiou said that today's constantly evolving digital environment demonstrates the importance of the safe use and exploitation of artificial intelligence, especially for children and students. The speed of development of new technologies and artificial intelligence, Mr Efstathiou pointed out, requires the need to adapt educational systems so that schools equip students with the appropriate tools and skills to take advantage of the significant opportunities presented, but also to protect themselves from the great risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence. Efstathiou stressed that modern and quality education must, on the one hand, meet the needs of the labour market, innovation and economic development and, on the other hand, safeguard and promote human rights and democratic principles, in line with the guidelines established by the Council of Europe to better protect the best interests of the child.
At the same time, said the Cypriot MEP, there is a great disparity between Member States with regard to the digital literacy of the student population, which should not lead to new inequalities and discrimination in Europe. He stressed that every effort should be made to ensure that all pupils have unhindered access to quality and inclusive education, especially children with disabilities who need more specialised management.
Schools, Mr Efstathiou stressed, should have the autonomy to develop new learning and teaching methods, which should be adequately adapted and responsive to the specificities and characteristics of each school unit. Europe today does not need uniformity but more creativity in the safe use and exploitation of the new digital environment.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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