Artificial Intelligence (AI) Is Changing Learning and Work. How Is IST Preparing for It? 

In short: IST treats artificial intelligence as an important skill to build thoughtfully — not just a tool to adopt. That means clear school-wide guidelines, everyday use of AI-supported learning through our Toddle platform, a strong focus on academic integrity, and active participation in the European Erasmus+ project AI-TransformED. 

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming education, the workplace, and everyday life. Today’s students will graduate into a world where the ability to use AI effectively and thoughtfully is becoming just as important as digital literacy itself. 

At International School of Tallinn (IST), we see artificial intelligence not simply as a technology, but as an important future skill. Our approach focuses on preparing students and staff to use AI in ways that are thoughtful, ethical, secure, and educationally meaningful. 

Building the Right Foundations for AI at IST

Successfully integrating artificial intelligence into a school requires more than access to technology. It requires clear expectations, strong governance, staff training, and thoughtful practices. 

IST has established an ICT Policy — published under our school policies — that is aligned with: 

• Mainor Group’s AI policy;
• applicable legislation and regulations;
• international standards and requirements;
• security and operational standards set by our technology partners. 

This helps ensure that AI is used safely, thoughtfully, and in the best interests of students and the wider school community. 

AI in Everyday Learning 

Artificial intelligence is already becoming part of how students learn and teachers teach. 

IST’s learning platform, Toddle, includes integrated AI capabilities that support teaching and learning. Teachers and students use these tools in their daily work to: 

• explore ideas and develop questions; 

• support inquiry and research; 

• create and improve learning materials; 

• provide and receive feedback; 

• enhance reflection and learning processes. 

The goal is not to replace teachers or independent thinking. Instead, AI is used to support learning, encourage deeper thinking, and help students develop the skills needed in a rapidly changing world. 

Academic Integrity in the Age of AI 

As AI creates new opportunities, it also brings new challenges. 

IST is committed to maintaining high standards of academic integrity. Rather than treating this as a matter of surveillance, we focus on helping students understand where the line between genuine support and a shortcut lies — using plagiarism-detection and other tools as one part of that broader, learning-centred approach. 

We help students understand: 

• when AI can be used appropriately; 

• how to acknowledge its use transparently; 

• why critical thinking remains essential; 

• how to use technology thoughtfully and with integrity. 

Learning to work well with AI is becoming an important life skill for future study and employment. 

Supporting Staff and the School Community 

Technology is only valuable when people know how to use it effectively. 

IST provides: 

• AI training for staff; 

• guidance and support materials for the school community; 

• opportunities to share experiences and best practices; 

• practical examples and use cases from teaching and administrative work. 

By investing in professional learning, the school helps staff understand both the opportunities and the risks associated with AI and supports confident, informed decision-making. 

A Systematic and Data-Informed Approach 

AI implementation at IST is not driven by trends or isolated experiments. 

The school’s leadership and administrative teams already use a variety of AI-powered tools to support efficiency, planning, communication, and data-informed decision-making. 

To guide future development, IST has established: 

• an AI governance structure; 

• defined roles and responsibilities; 

• an AI roadmap with objectives and priorities; 

• processes for monitoring implementation and progress. 

This allows the school to take a structured and sustainable approach to innovation. 

This systematic approach is strengthened through international collaboration. IST is one of nine consortium partners in AI-TransformED, an Erasmus+ project bringing together European universities, schools, and education-innovation experts to develop AI readiness frameworks, institutional roadmaps, and thoughtful approaches to generative AI in education. 

Understanding Readiness and Community Perspectives 

Successful change starts with understanding the needs and perspectives of the people involved. 

IST has surveyed both teachers and students to better understand: 

• attitudes towards AI; 

• current usage patterns; 

• opportunities for learning enhancement; 

• areas requiring additional support or guidance. 

This information helps ensure that decisions are based on evidence and real community needs rather than assumptions. 

Looking Ahead 

The role of artificial intelligence in education will continue to evolve. 

As part of its next phase of development, IST is focusing on: 

• sharing experiences and best practices across the school community; 

• identifying successful use cases that enhance learning; 

• increasing efficiency while reducing unnecessary workload; 

• evaluating and managing potential risks as new tools emerge. 

This ongoing process ensures that innovation remains purposeful and aligned with educational goals. 

Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Future 

Artificial intelligence is likely to influence future careers in much the same way that the internet transformed society over the past two decades. 

At IST, our goal is not simply to teach students how to use new tools. We aim to help them understand how AI is changing the world, how to work with it ethically and effectively, and how to apply it creatively in learning, work, and everyday life. 

By combining innovation, care, and strong educational practice, IST is preparing students to thrive in a future where artificial intelligence will be a natural part of life. 

Would you like to learn more about learning, innovation, or admissions at IST? Contact our Admissions Team at admissions@ist.ee.