How can AI resources support different educational institutions while remaining practical, accessible and responsible? The local AI4VET pilot at Pučko otvoreno učilište Čakovec explored this question through discussion, independent testing and structured feedback.
POU Čakovec organised an extended focus group bringing together 11 participants from 11 different institutions. The group included representatives of educational institutions with different profiles, the Technology Innovation Center Međimurje and a public library.
This composition complemented the formal VET pilot by bringing in perspectives from education, innovation support and community learning.
The initial session introduced participants to AI4VET, its objectives and the purpose of the local pilot. Participants then received a guided walkthrough of the Edu-AI Tools Navigator, exploring its categories, search and filtering functions, tool descriptions, ethical considerations and limitations.
The group also examined the Edu-AI Toolkit, focusing on implementation guidance, practical examples and step-by-step support. Particular attention was given to adapting AI-supported activities to different educational contexts.
The focus group provided a starting point for practical exploration. Participants discussed possible applications in their own institutions, including teaching, learning, communication, accessibility and organisational work. Educational relevance, responsible use and human verification guided these discussions.
During August and September, participants continued testing independently. They used the Navigator to explore selected AI tools and consulted the Toolkit when planning and evaluating possible applications.
At the end of the testing period, feedback was collected through the AI4VET questionnaire, covering both resources and the overall pilot experience.
The qualitative feedback was generally positive. Participants particularly valued the Navigator’s clarity and usability, the practical nature of the Toolkit instructions and the relevance of the resources to real educational settings.
Feedback also highlighted the importance of pedagogical applicability, accessibility, inclusion and clear attention to ethical issues. These considerations help educators assess how an AI-supported activity fits their learners and institutional context.
By combining a facilitated focus group with independent testing, the pilot offered a broader perspective on the potential transfer of AI4VET resources across vocational education, other educational settings and community learning environments.
These experiences provide useful input for the continued development of practical resources and informed AI use.
Which perspectives would you bring together in your institution to explore responsible AI use?
Explore the AI4VET resources:
https://ai4vetproject.eu/results/
