Artificial Intelligence is transforming education at an unprecedented pace, but what does that mean for educators, learners and the future of teaching?
In this episode of Kinia Ag Caint, host Sara Judge is joined by Patrick Hickey, primary school teacher, educational technology specialist and Kinia's Experience AI and AI in Action Senior Manager. Together, they explore the opportunities, challenges and realities of using AI in education.
Patrick shares why critical thinking is more important than ever in an AI-driven world, discusses common misconceptions around AI replacing teachers, and highlights the uniquely human skills that technology cannot replicate. The conversation also explores practical ways educators can use AI to support personalised learning, create engaging resources and build AI literacy among young people.
The episode offers valuable insights for educators, youth workers and anyone interested in understanding how AI is shaping learning today and into the future.
Things We Spoke About
- Why AI literacy matters for educators and young people
- The importance of critical thinking when using AI tools
- Common concerns and misconceptions about AI in education
- How AI can support personalised learning and accessibility
- The role of human skills in an increasingly digital world
- Practical AI tools and resources for educators
- An introduction to Kinia's Experience AI and AI in Action programmes
- Patrick's thoughts on the future of AI in education
Guest Details
Patrick Hickey
Patrick Hickey is a primary school teacher with a passion for the purposeful use of technology in education. He works as Kinia's Experience AI and AI in Action Senior Manager, supporting educators across Ireland to develop AI literacy and confidence in using emerging technologies. Patrick is committed to helping young people see pathways into STEM and technology careers while promoting critical and responsible engagement with AI.
About Kinia
Educational disadvantage has long been part of the story when it comes to inequality. Today, that story is evolving.
As new careers, technologies, and ways of working continue to emerge, a new kind of divide is taking shape. It is not just about access to education, but access to awareness, opportunity, and aspiration. If young people do not see these pathways reflected in their homes or communities, it becomes much harder to imagine themselves in those futures.
At Kinia, we work to change that.
We support children and young people to explore what is possible, while empowering educators with the tools, skills, and confidence to inspire the next generation. By focusing on creative, future-focused learning, we help open doors that might otherwise remain out of reach. We believe that learning creates opportunity and that when young people are given the chance to engage, create, and imagine their future, it can change lives.
Quotes
- Students might not have someone in their community who works in STEM or technology, but they should still feel that they can aspire to those careers. You have to see it to be it
- AI is incredible for creating personalised learning resources, but no one knows the learners in front of them better than the teacher. That's why the human in the loop is so important.
- If a child is interested in football, music, cats or dogs, you can create materials based on that interest while still achieving your learning goals. That's where AI can be incredibly powerful.
- Whatever is working for you, if you're new to AI, just pick one and explore. Don't be afraid to play around with it, because it's through exploring that we learn.
- Sometimes it's hard to know what AI will look like in five months. Rather than worrying about the future, find one or two ways it can add value to your work today and start there