Secondary school teachers in Greece are set to receive intensive training in artificial intelligence tools as part of a pilot programme that positions the country at the forefront of integrating AI into education. The initiative, launched this week in 20 schools, involves a customised version of ChatGPT developed by OpenAI under an agreement with the centre-right government.
Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki said the programme reflects the reality that AI is already present and must be embraced. The pilot will expand nationally in January, making Greece one of the first countries to deploy generative AI in classrooms. Initial workshops focus on helping teachers use the technology for lesson planning, research, and personalised tuition, with ChatGPT Edu gradually introduced into schools.
However, the programme has sparked concerns among teachers and pupils. Aristidis Tolos, a 17-year-old student at a protest in Athens, expressed fear of being “outsmarted and controlled” by AI. Dimitris Aktypis, a senior official at the secondary school teachers’ union Olme, said the prospect of AI has caused disquiet, with worries it could lead to “teacherless” classes.
Retired headteacher Dimitris Panayiotokopoulos criticised the government’s focus on technology while schools lack basic facilities, noting that heating is limited to one hour per day in winter. He argued that AI poses a threat to critical thinking if students are “spoon-fed answers.”
Despite the scepticism, some educators see potential. Physics teacher Panos Karagiorgos said AI can help teachers be more effective, but cautioned against using it in a system overly focused on exam performance. The government maintains that the initiative is a necessary step to prepare Greeks for the AI revolution.
