Salesians North East Lead Ethical AI Integration in Schools with University Research
On 29 May 2025, a comprehensive study conducted by the Salesian University Institute in Venice (IUSVE) highlighted the positive effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. This study focused on the "Go beyond traditional education" project within the St Mark Province of North-East Italy (INE) and was presented in Verona, attended by representatives from Google for Education worldwide.
The project involved 26 Salesian primary and secondary schools across the Triveneto region, engaging over 9,000 students and 700 teachers. It featured more than 600 teaching activities enhanced by Google Gemini for Education algorithms, developed in partnership with MR Digital. A key priority throughout was the ethical use of AI, ensuring technology complemented human values. As Fr Lorenzo Teston, Delegate for Salesian schools in INE, explains, an open educational framework was created and made publicly available at salesianinordest.it to support future AI experiments in education.
Positive Outcomes for Teachers and Students
Survey data from 520 teachers involved in the project offers encouraging insights. Almost half (47%) observed improved student attention and participation. Additionally, 40% noted more efficient use of time due to AI’s ability to quickly generate personalized content and streamline lesson preparation. Importantly, 39% reported enhanced quality of learning, especially benefiting students with special educational needs.
Transforming Teaching Practices with AI
The qualitative study led by IUSVE’s Pedagogy Department identified three main changes brought by AI in classrooms:
- AI as a teaching assistant: Supporting the creation of activities, personalizing courses, and preparing assessments.
- Rethinking home study: Encouraging active and responsible use of technology rather than passive consumption.
- Evolving teacher roles: Emphasizing accompaniment, fostering critical thinking, and strengthening collaboration between school and family for managing emerging technologies.
This shift highlights AI as a tool that complements, rather than replaces, the teacher’s role, emphasizing human guidance and ethical considerations.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable and Inclusive Innovation
The survey is notable for its scale and depth in experimenting with AI in education using Google Gemini for Education. According to Fr Nicola Giacopini, director of IUSVE, the project will continue throughout 2025, further supporting schools in adopting sustainable and inclusive innovative practices.
Educators interested in integrating AI thoughtfully into their teaching can explore resources and training opportunities at Complete AI Training, which offers courses aimed at practical and ethical AI use in education.
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