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A new education initiative called AI Classroom has launched in 50 pioneer schools across six European countries, the UK, Spain, Italy, Bulgaria, Finland, and Sweden, with expansion to Ireland and Poland scheduled shortly. Developed jointly by Acer and Intel, the pilot project equips teachers with AI-powered tools to enhance lesson planning, personalise instruction, and streamline administrative tasks.
The initiative integrates devices such as the Acer TravelMate AI and Acer Chromebook Plus with Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini, enabling educators to deliver personalised tutoring, optimise teaching management systems, create interactive lessons, and analyse student performance data to guide targeted interventions.
Cristina Pez, Commercial Director B2B and Education at Acer EMEA, said: “Supporting the digitalisation of schools means first and foremost enhancing the teacher’s role — with a direct impact on learning quality. With the AI Classroom project, Acer for Education positions itself as a pioneer in bringing AI into schools — not only for teachers but also for the entire institution by improving back-office and administrative processes that support teaching.”
AI Classroom complements Intel’s Skills for Innovation (SFI) programme, which provides a pedagogical framework recognised by the European Commission as fully aligned with the EU DigComp framework. Acer contributes modular lesson plans, known as Starter Packs, tailored to students aged 10–19.
Intel’s 2024 year-end report highlights the programme’s reach and impact: active in over 150 countries, involving more than 300,000 teachers, and distributing over 1,734 Starter Packs. According to the report, 85% of teachers reported increased confidence using technology, while 92% of students felt more engaged.
“The primary goal of the Intel Skills for Innovation (SFI) programme is to integrate skill-building activities into teaching and learning, with a strong focus on real-world applications,” said Luigi Pessina, Director of Global Education Programs and Strategy at Intel. “All SFI content is designed to help students develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed in the future and enter the workforce fully prepared.”
The SFI programme offers over 80 hours of online professional development and more than 120 free Starter Packs using tools like CAD, Canva, and AI. These resources help build data analysis and computational thinking skills aligned with modern workforce demands.
Acer’s Starter Packs include modules such as ‘Durability by Design’, which introduces CAD and digital design; ‘Screen Sense’, which focuses on digital well-being and design thinking; and ‘Optimise, Design and Minimise’, which promotes sustainability and problem-solving through packaging design.
Roberto Rosaschino, Senior Business Manager Education at Acer EMEA, noted: “The goal is twofold: to support teachers’ professional growth and make students’ school experience more engaging and aligned with the modern job market.”
With AI reshaping global workforce demands, including an estimated 170 million new jobs by 2030 requiring advanced digital skills, initiatives like AI Classroom and Skills for Innovation aim to prepare students for the future.
