Eblana Learning, a Dublin-based education technology company, has developed an artificial intelligence curriculum that could see children as young as five introduced to AI concepts in Irish schools, following a positive independent review of its programme.
The ed-tech company has created an AI curriculum currently used in international schools worldwide, with new research suggesting it could be adapted for wider use across primary and secondary-level education systems.
The review, carried out by the Learnovate Centre at Trinity College Dublin, found the programme offers a “strong, coherent and distinctive framework” for AI education, with a clear learning pathway from early childhood through to late adolescence.
According to the report, the curriculum begins with play-based learning for younger pupils and progresses to more advanced skills such as analysis, debate and critical thinking for older students.
It also highlighted the programme’s ethical grounding and active learning approach, where students are encouraged to ask questions and explore scenarios rather than simply focus on correct answers.
The Learnovate Centre said the company has a “first-mover” advantage in what remains an emerging area of education, noting that there are few comparable offerings currently available for K-12 systems.
Eric Paquin, Head of Research, Innovation and Technology at Learnovate, said AI education is set to become increasingly important.
“AI education is still an emerging field but it will become an essential part of preparing young people for the future,” he said.
“Schools need programmes that are educationally robust, ethically grounded and practical to implement.
“The Irish education system needs to look at how it can implement AI into the curriculum to ensure our students of today are prepared for the workplaces of the future.”
The Eblana curriculum is structured into modular “blocks” that can be updated over time, allowing schools to adapt to rapid technological change.
It is also supported by the company’s AI Academy, which provides training for teachers, school leaders, parents and administrative staff.
Eblana Learning co-founder Rita Bateson said the findings validate the company’s approach.
“This independent report is a strong endorsement of the work we are doing to help schools respond to AI with clarity, confidence and purpose,” she said.
“We are delighted to have the acknowledgment that the Eblana AI curriculum supports schools through its rigour and flexibility to ensure students are future-ready, conscious consumers of AI but with human values at the heart of their education.”