Digital Futures, Innovation and Enterprise
Research under this theme includes work at the cutting edge of digital innovation, alongside an examination of the societal, ethical, environmental and creative implications of new technologies. We ask what a sustainable and prosperous future might look like, and examine the contextual factors that shape the answers to such questions.
Advancing AI Literacy Through Collaborative Partnership - Dr David Reid
Liverpool Hope University in partnership with School Improvement Liverpool and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is pioneering the development of artificial intelligence literacy across the region.
The partnership combines cutting-edge AI expertise with practical educational applications. Together, they are equipping educators, schools, and organisations with the tools and knowledge to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape, ensuring societal and educational benefits for all.
Origins of the Collaboration
The initiative emerged from cross-curricula work between Professor David Reid, a respected computer science and AI expert, and Damien Maguire, who works with student teachers on the integration of AI into educational settings. From initially delivering continuous professional development to the leadership teams of School Improvement Liverpool and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the partnership quickly expanded to encompass broader training and resource development about the transformative potential of AI for wider audiences, including school staff, leadership teams, and private companies.
Initiatives and Impact
The collaboration focuses on tailored CPD offerings, including:
- Training headteachers, school leaders, and educators to incorporate AI into strategic planning and daily operations.
- Designing curriculum resources to develop AI literacy among children aged 5–18.
- Highlighting use cases for AI in education, such as forecasting and workload optimisation.
Under the tagline AI Education from Early Years to PhD, it is a commitment to societal impact that drives the two academics who view digital skills as a cornerstone for social mobility. Their approach emphasises ethical, responsible, and sustainable AI usage.
Significant positive feedback from School Improvement Liverpool and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has spurred interest from other regional authorities and organisations. Attendees to these sessions report newfound confidence in engaging with AI, integrating it into their workflows for ideation, document creation, and strategic planning.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Vision
The support of Schools Improvement Liverpool and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has been crucial to the advancement of Hope’s work on AI in education. As AI technology continues to evolve, so too will the partnership’s offerings with a commitment to developing AI literacy, not only in schools but also across the broader public and private sectors.
Broadening impact and national Implications
This project has evolved to also include the following organisations: Sefton Council, Knowsley Council, Wirral Met College, Alderhey Children’s Hospital Trust, Knowsley Business Ambassadors and Knowsley Chamber of Commerce. These partnerships exemplify the potential of higher education institutions working collaboratively with external organisations to drive meaningful societal change. By advancing AI literacy and skills, these collaborations set a benchmark for similar initiatives across the UK, with the ultimate goal of fostering greater access to AI technologies and ensuring they are used for the collective good.
Prof. David Reid