AI Classroom Assistants Debut in 48 Irish Schools as National Pilot Expands
Forty-eight Irish schools are piloting Merlyn Origin, an AI assistant helping teachers with lesson plans and grading. The trial supports 300 educators to reduce admin tasks and boost efficiency.
Nearly 50 Irish Schools Join AI Assistant Pilot Project
Forty-eight primary and secondary schools across Ireland have signed up for a new pilot programme introducing an AI voice-controlled assistant to help teachers with administrative tasks. Supported by US edtech company Merlyn Mind and Trinity College Dublin’s The Learnovate Centre, this initiative aims to ease teachers’ workloads and improve classroom efficiency.
The pilot involves 300 teachers trialing the Merlyn Origin AI assistant, which uses generative AI to support educators in creating lesson plans, generating grading rubrics, and gathering instant student feedback. By automating repetitive tasks, the system helps teachers focus more on teaching and less on paperwork.
Phase one of the pilot has just concluded, with feedback from teachers and students now being analysed. This input will guide improvements ahead of phase two, scheduled to start at the beginning of the 2025 academic year. The project hopes to encourage more schools across Ireland to adopt the technology.
Merlyn Mind, founded in 2018 and based in New York, develops AI solutions aimed at making classrooms more interactive and manageable for both students and educators. With offices in California and India, this Irish pilot is the company’s largest trial outside North America.
Jason Mayland, vice-president of international business development at Merlyn Mind, commented:
- “We’re excited to pilot the Merlyn Origin AI assistant in 48 Irish schools. This is our biggest trial outside North America, where the tool has already helped reduce technostress and cut down the time teachers spend on administrative duties.”
- “We appreciate the support from The Learnovate Centre, which is vital as we prepare to bring Merlyn Mind to the European market.”
Dave Farrelly, head of membership services at Learnovate, added:
- “Learnovate is pleased to partner with Merlyn Mind on this pilot. AI has strong potential to improve classroom experiences, and supporting research in this area aligns with our goals.”
- “Embracing this technology will help maximise benefits for both teachers and learners.”
Educators and IT professionals interested in how AI tools like Merlyn Origin can streamline teaching processes may find valuable resources and courses at Complete AI Training.
