03/06/2025
Education Minister Announces Major AI Literacy Study For Disadvantaged Pupils
Education Minister Paul Givan has unveiled a significant new research study designed to evaluate the effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in supporting literacy, particularly among disadvantaged pupils and those with Special Educational Needs.
This innovative active research project, undertaken in partnership with Oxford Brookes University, is one of seven cross-cutting initiatives announced under the broader RAISE Programme, set to be delivered during the 2025/26 academic year.
Minister Givan stated: "Today I am announcing a new and innovative active research project. In partnership with Oxford Brookes University, more than 15,000 pupils will have the opportunity to use an AI-powered reading tutor over a 12-month period, generating robust evidence to inform national literacy policy and support data-informed teaching in the classroom."
The study will compare reading outcomes between two groups of pupils with similar reading abilities and demographics. One group will utilise an AI tool provided by Amira Learning, while the other will follow standard classroom approaches. Amira Learning is known for its AI-driven, personalised reading assistance that listens to students and provides real-time feedback.
The research methodology includes continuous monitoring and data collection to evaluate effectiveness. Teachers involved will receive face-to-face and online training from Oxford Brookes University, equipping them to interpret assessment data through detailed reports. This will enable them to identify struggling readers and implement individualised, evidence-based, targeted interventions aligned with the Science of Reading. This comprehensive approach supports Northern Ireland's ongoing shift toward evidence-based tools, aiming for a positive impact on reading outcomes and providing data-driven insights for both classroom practices and broader educational policy decisions.
Minister Givan concluded: "Literacy is core to allowing pupils to access knowledge and all areas of learning within the curriculum. It is the key to unlocking the curriculum and a love for learning. I am looking forward to the outcomes of this research project and how these can inform my Department's policy going forward."
Further information on the RAISE Reading with AI Research Project is available on the Department of Education's website.
Further information on the RAISE Reading with AI Research Project can be found here www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/reading-ai-research-project
This innovative active research project, undertaken in partnership with Oxford Brookes University, is one of seven cross-cutting initiatives announced under the broader RAISE Programme, set to be delivered during the 2025/26 academic year.
Minister Givan stated: "Today I am announcing a new and innovative active research project. In partnership with Oxford Brookes University, more than 15,000 pupils will have the opportunity to use an AI-powered reading tutor over a 12-month period, generating robust evidence to inform national literacy policy and support data-informed teaching in the classroom."
The study will compare reading outcomes between two groups of pupils with similar reading abilities and demographics. One group will utilise an AI tool provided by Amira Learning, while the other will follow standard classroom approaches. Amira Learning is known for its AI-driven, personalised reading assistance that listens to students and provides real-time feedback.
Minister Givan concluded: "Literacy is core to allowing pupils to access knowledge and all areas of learning within the curriculum. It is the key to unlocking the curriculum and a love for learning. I am looking forward to the outcomes of this research project and how these can inform my Department's policy going forward."
Further information on the RAISE Reading with AI Research Project is available on the Department of Education's website.
Further information on the RAISE Reading with AI Research Project can be found here www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/reading-ai-research-project
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.