Updated Guidelines on the Ethical use of AI and data in teaching and learning for educators

On the occasion of the first anniversary of the Union of Skills, the European Commission released an updated Guidelines on the Ethical Use of AI and Data in Teaching and Learning for Educators.

The revised guidelines aim to further support educators in making informed and ethical decisions when using AI and data in the classroom. They also help teachers build confidence in integrating AI tools while understanding potential risks and legal responsibilities and fostering responsible adoption among students.

They respond to several recent developments in the usage of AI in education, particularly the significant rise in AI use in education, the AI Act, and the growing need for AI literacy, ethics, and critical thinking in teaching and learning environments.  

The updated guidelines include:

• Guiding questions and practical classroom scenarios, which provide practical tools and examples for applying ethical considerations and key requirements in classroom and school settings
• Core principles and legal context, including clear explanations of the AI Act, GDPR, and the ethical considerations that underpin responsible AI use in education 
• Background resources, such as technical definitions, reference frameworks and further policy context
• An updated glossary defining key AI and data related terms and highlighting their relevance to educators

The revision was developed by a dedicated Working Group within the European Digital Education Hub, building on earlier work by the Commission’s expert group on AI and data in education and training. It also contributes to the objectives of the Apply AI Strategy. 

These guidelines are part of a broader package of guidelines developed under the Digital Action Plan 2021-2027, designed to support teachers in key digital education priorities. The package also includes the guidelines on tackling disinformation and promoting digital literacy, the guidelines on digital education content (DEC), as well as the guidelines for teaching informatics.