In a recent podcast episode, Kristina Kallas, Estonia's Minister of Education and Research, shared how the country is introducing artificial intelligence into its school system through a carefully phased and teacher-centred approach.

In Estonia's education policy, artificial intelligence is introduced in relation to learning goals. As the Minister explains, "Our goal is to develop a generation that is capable of much deeper thinking  with metacognition skills, understanding the way they think and why they think the way they think." AI, she notes, is seen as a tool to support analysis, critical judgement, and the ability to work with large volumes of information.

The first phase focuses entirely on teachers. Since August, teachers have been engaged in extensive AI training. According to Kallas, "Any education system that wants to innovate has to start learning from the teachers." Rather than issuing guidance and leaving schools to manage alone, Estonia has organised in-school support through trained lead teachers in digital technologies, peer learning communities, and ongoing reflection on classroom practice.

From January, AI will be introduced into learning with all upper secondary students around 30,000 learners across public and private schools. Teachers and students will integrate AI together in everyday learning activities. This gradual approach reflects an awareness of risks as well as opportunities. "We don't have answers to all the questions," Kallas acknowledges, particularly around the risk of students using AI to replace their own thinking. "But the cost of not doing it is too high."

The episode also connects Estonia's experience to wider European discussions. Those interested in further context can explore European Schoolnet's latest Agile Collection of Information on Artificial Intelligence in School Education, as well as the AI in Schools focus area, which examine policy priorities and initiatives across Europe.

Listen to the full podcast episode to hear the Minister's reflections in her own words. We also invite you to explore further resources from our latest Agile Collection of Information and our focus area: AI in Schools.