The Challenge Addressed
The Generative Artificial Intelligence Skills in Schools project (GenAISis) (supported by Responsible AI UK) aims to foster critical conversations with young people around using generative AI effectively, safely, ethically, and creatively.
Supported by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Scotland and school librarians, the project co-created innovative educational cartoon video stories with pupils and a toolkit that complemented the videos with lesson plans, discussion prompts, and curated resources on GenAI use, transparency, trust, bias, inclusion and privacy.
The project transformed complex research into engaging narratives, amplifying young voices on AI-driven misinformation, data safety and bias. Young participants helped shape cartoon characters to express their own experiences and concerns, exploring both the opportunities and risks of GenAI.
Grounded in children’s rights, the project promotes media and information literacy by examining global UN Sustainable Development challenges - poverty, inequality, climate change - exploring how AI generates and influences content, both textual and visual.
Why the Practice is Innovative
The project embodies the European Union’s vision for inclusive and future focused education by operationalising Key Competences for Lifelong Learning.
It strengthens digital competence through ethical AI awareness, fosters citizenship by embedding children’s rights and democratic participation, and promotes equality and inclusivity through co creation with diverse underrepresented learners.
By integrating cultural diversity, creativity and sustainability the initiative advances EU values of dignity, solidarity and responsible innovation, positioning them as models of how education can prepare young people to thrive as active, ethical citizens in a digital society.
Type of Integration and Key Competences
The GenAISiS project embedded Equality, Diversity and Inclusion by actively engaging underrepresented groups of young people (by socio-economic, learning and gender related criteria) by design, ensuring equitable participation.
The project was guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which became the theme and focus of AI related activities engaging young people with AI, and we designed inclusive AI learning resources that are openly accessible.
We engaged diverse communities, young people, educators, nurses, and international partners.
Our work is a model for inclusive innovation, particularly with its ‘Storytelling Empirical Research Translation’ approach, which has four core design principles:
a) Symbolic distancing: expressing perspectives via cartoon characters, which reduces emotional risk and fosters honesty
b) Creative expression: with activities that encourage exploration, creativity and critical thinking, making AI education approachable for different learning styles and needs
c) Co-creation: which positions young people as co-creators, not just as research subjects
d) Audio-visual (multimodal) storytelling: enhancing retention and engagement.
The project employed a fully replicable methodology, which ensures long-term impact and supports equitable digital upskilling.
Impact of the Practice
GenAISiS achieved wide-reaching impact through educational outreach, public engagement and policy dialogue with pupils, educators, librarians, researchers, parents, and policymakers.
The project was endorsed by the School and Public Health Nurses Association and received the Engaging the Public with Research award from Robert Gordon University (RGU).
It was endorsed by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Jenny Gilruth, as well as national media.
Potential for Replication
The project employed a fully replicable methodology, which ensures long-term impact and supports equitable digital upskilling.
Openly accessible toolkit: https://online.visual-paradigm.com/community/bookshelf/default-1444l1ntn9
Co-created videos with young people (9-12 years old): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGdWX4t_arWjW2Kva3-wBfQ/playlists
Testimonials: https://rgu.cloud.panopto.eu/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=abe32e75-b45e-43a0-b3a5-b2e300bf8bb0
Blog: https://maddiesonline.blogspot.com/
Innovator: Konstantina Martzoukou - Robert Gordon University