The program was designed to provide school principals with practical tools and strategies for improving their work while preparing them for future challenges. Over the course of the training, participants explored the basics of artificial intelligence, its impact on educational methods and the labor market, as well as the opportunities and challenges related to integrating AI tools into teaching, learning, and administration. In addition to Prof. Divjak, the training team includes Assoc. Prof. Dijana Oreški, PhD, Prof. Markus Schatten, PhD, Assoc. Prof. Goran Hajdin, PhD, Prof. Nina Begičević Ređep, PhD and Prof. Marina Klačmer Čalopa, PhD.
- "We can pretend it’s not happening, but artificial intelligence is already present in our everyday lives, in our schools, universities, and among students. Therefore, we need to ask ourselves which path we want to take—approaching it consciously, understanding the opportunities AI provides while managing its risks, or burying our heads in the sand as if it doesn’t concern us. I believe we have chosen the first path," said Prof. Blaženka Divjak, head of the Chair of Quantitative Methods and director of the Laboratory for Learning Analytics at FOI. Together with the FOI team, she will train primary and secondary school principals, whose institutions are founded by Varaždin County, about AI. "We have entered a new era, one fully marked by artificial intelligence. However, we must think about how to maintain critical thinking in schools and enable children to develop it. We cannot allow them to get answers to their many questions with just one 'click' without questioning those answers. Today’s children are already using AI in many ways, but we must ensure we know what, when, and how they are using it, and we must act accordingly. Unfortunately, we are already falling behind in this regard," Prof. Divjak warned.
She emphasized that this training is the first of its kind in Croatia for school principals, involving an intensive 15-hour program over three days. The program goes beyond theoretical knowledge, incorporating practical exercises on computers and in labs, allowing participants to experiment with various AI tools. Prof. Divjak highlighted some of the advantages of AI in education, such as adapting content for students who struggle with learning or providing advanced, self-directed, and research-oriented opportunities for others. AI can assist teachers by serving as a reliable assistant, speeding up processes, and making them more efficient. However, she noted, "We can only fully harness these benefits when we understand the risks, and the risks are significant."
The Dean of FOI, Prof. Marina Klačmer Čalopa, PhD, emphasized FOI's commitment to innovation and education, organizing this training in collaboration with Varaždin County.
- "The goal of this training is to familiarize and empower principals, as leaders in the educational system, with the opportunities AI provides to enhance teaching processes and improve school management. FOI has long been a leader in the fields of information technology and education. Artificial intelligence is not just a technology of the future; it is a tool for the present that can improve school operations and help teachers better meet the needs of their students," said Dean Klačmer Čalopa.
Miroslav Huđek, PhD, head of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports in Varaždin County, highlighted that AI is also a hot topic at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where political and business leaders are seriously considering its implications and discussing its global impact.
- "AI literacy must be integrated into public education systems. Varaždin County, in collaboration with FOI, has taken a significant step forward by organizing this training for principals. Based on the response, it’s clear the topic has been recognized as important, and it’s something we need to discuss and act upon in our education system. As the founder of primary and secondary schools, we must train staff to handle the challenges and opportunities that come with using AI to enrich the educational process. Following the training, we will also work on equipping our educational institutions. We know how to do this, and I am confident we will succeed," he said.
The Prefect of Varaždin County, Anđelko Stričak, noted that Varaždin County is a leader in education innovation in Croatia.
- "We will be the first to implement single-shift schedules in our primary schools. We were the first to equip schools with driving and flight simulators, the first to open Google and Newton rooms, the first observatory, and the first metal 3D printer. We strive to keep up with the technological advancements of the world. It’s important to enable our students to adapt to these achievements as easily and effectively as possible. AI is not a threat but a tool, and its power lies in how we use it. That’s why we are hosting these seminars in collaboration with FOI, a national leader in this field. However, it’s important to emphasize that teachers will remain the heart of our educational system, while AI is here to support them," concluded Prefect Stričak.
In the end of the training program, participants are able to:
- Understand the basics of artificial intelligence (AI): Explain fundamental AI concepts and distinguish between its various applications.
- Understand AI’s impact on education: Identify and explain AI's influence on teaching methods, educators’ skills, and future labor market demands.
- Assess the opportunities and risks of AI in schools: Identify how AI can support teaching, learning, and administration while addressing ethical, privacy, and security challenges.
- Develop strategic AI implementation plans for schools: Create actionable strategies for integrating AI tools into teaching, learning, and management processes.
- Evaluate AI-based tools: Assess the relevance, effectiveness, and impact of AI solutions for students, teachers, and parents.
- Lead AI adoption in schools: Foster a culture of innovation and continuous professional development for responsible and inclusive AI integration.
- Comply with AI-related policies and regulations: Navigate local, national, and international policies on AI use in education.
This program represents a significant step toward strengthening the role of school principals as leaders of innovation and AI-driven educational development. It serves as a model for collaboration between academia and schools to advance the education system in line with technological progress.
Source: FOI PR Department, Varaždin County
