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If the junior infants in St Joseph’s Primary School in Dundalk, Co Louth want to know something they can ask AI.

An AI voice assistant named Merlyn will tell them the answer, type it on a digital whiteboard with photos and illustrations and prompt them to delve deeper into the subject.

Every class is being taught how to use AI because St Joseph’s is taking part in a Merlyn AI pilot programme alongside 48 schools across Ireland.

It’s easy to see why getting its technology into Irish schools could lead to a big financial win for Merlyn Origin, the US tech company behind Merlin, if it can ultimately persuade the Department of Education to adopt its technology for all schools. But what’s in it for the students? How can pupils be prepared for an AI driven world?

Do teachers have the training to guide pupils in the use of AI. And how is AI impacting on education, particularly at senior cycle?

Irish Times education correspondent Niamh Towey explains.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.

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