Digital Skills and the Impact of Digital Technologies in Secondary Education in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

This paper examines the availability and development of digital skills in the context of an increasing diffusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies within the economy and the wider society. The paper first assesses Ireland’s performance with respect to digital skills relative to other EU countries, highlighting important gaps among the younger population. In this context, we place a particular focus on the role of secondary education in providing the skills needed for the digital economy. Drawing on in-depth data across secondary schools in Ireland, the paper examines students’ perceptions that school benefits their digital skills and whether such technology positively impacts their school experience. Framed within a socio-cultural framework, the results highlight the complexity and interdependence of factors shaping digital skills development and the impact of technologies at school. The importance of teacher skills and adoption cannot be overstated. A culture of student democracy and a holistic, inclusive school ethos is also associated with better skills development. The results show the lasting impact of approaches during COVID-19 school building closures – with experiences during this period shaping skills perceptions several years later.