In early 2025, we ran a workshop on the future of AI at school in 7 primary school classes in Falkirk, Scotland, as well as Eindhoven, the Netherlands. As AI-based tools are increasingly being used in schools, it is of paramount importance to understand what AI looks like from the perspective of the children being made to use them, and design in such a way that best caters to their needs.

To this end, we designed a workshop for learners aged 10-12. First, we talked to them about AI as it currently exists: how does it work? And how is machine learning different from human learning? Then, working in small teams, we asked them to think about the future, identifying problems or opportunities for improvement at school that they thought AI might be able to help with, and designing what that might look like.

No less than 175 children participated, creating over 90 designs between them, which are all available to browse on the linked project page. Students picked an amazing range of topics, from automated voice recognition for student registration to a chatbot for researching information or even a robotic referee for playground football matches! And it allowed us to collect valuable insights in how children conceptualise and learn about AI and what they deem possible uses of the technology at school in the future.

Thank you to all the children and their teachers who participated!