4 Day AI and Data Literacy course (secondary teachers and senior leaders)

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!

Data Education in Schools is offering a free course on data and AI literacy in the secondary classroom. We still have funded places available.

Teachers attending the course in 2023/24 said:

“I’ll struggle to find more enjoyable, worthwhile and welcoming CPD!” “The course was an excellent interactive experience with a lot of fantastic opportunities to experience new things.”

There will be four full-day sessions on:

  • Wednesday 16th September 2026
  • Thursday 8th October 2026
  • Tuesday 3rd November 2026
  • Wednesday 2nd December 2026

The sessions are face to face (following feedback by teachers on previous workshops) but it may be possible to join virtually if required.  You will need to attend all of the sessions.

The course will be taught by Dr Jasmeen Kanwal and Kate Farrell, and will include collaboration with data scientists, colleagues in industry, and educational experts. 

Topics covered will include: 

  • Exploring how data is used to solve real life problems. From coronavirus dashboards in the newspaper, to the smart meters in your cupboard, to the Fitbit in your pocket:  data displays are everywhere. We’ll consider how data can be used ethically to make decisions and improve our lives.
  • Teaching strategies and core concepts: We’ll explore how to develop strategies to ensure that every learner participates meaningfully in opportunities to develop their data literacy.  We will identify digital and non-digital pedagogical approaches to teaching data science, and explore how this may enrich the ways in which all learners are included in class activities. We will also look at ways to engage learners in data for social good projects and activism, using data to benefit their schools and communities.
  • Data Science and AI within BGE: We will look at projects, resources and ideas for teaching Data and AI Literacy within different curricular areas of Broad General Education.
  • NPA Data Science: We will cover the core concepts in the National Progression Award in Data Science (Levels 4-6)

There are 15 places for teachers on the course. All Secondary school teachers in the South East of Scotland (City of Edinburgh, Fife, Borders, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian) may submit an application for a place. Teachers from other parts of Scotland can apply too, however, we will not be able to fund cover costs for their places. Preference will be given to teachers who will be delivering the NPA in 2025-26 or who work in schools who are working to close the attainment gap, or to improve their technology provision.

We will contribute at least 50% of the cost for classroom cover for the four days.

How to apply?

When applying to the course, teachers must commit to: attend all sessions; try out the course materials at their school; take part in research data collection activities; and share their knowledge with other teachers. Please fill out the online application form. Any queries, contact Jasmeen.Kanwal@ed.ac.uk.